HYDERABAD: Researchers and academicians speaking at the launch of a book on Sindh`s agriculture sector and its issues on Tuesday proposed legislation to declare the province`s arid regions `organic zones` They called for promotion of `five-coloured agriculture` concept to combat the issue of malnutrition.

The book is authored by agriculture scientist Mustafa Nangraj. The event also featured a plantation campaign for nutritional plants aligned withthe five-coloured farming.

In his speech, Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Vice Chancellor Dr Fateh Marri underscored the importance of organic agriculture in Sindh`s arid region stretched over Tharparkar, Kachho, Kohistan, and Achhro Thar.

He said that for the past 125 years, 50pc of Sindh`s land relied on irrigation. He called for legislation to declare these areas `organic zones`.

He noted that scientist Nangraj`s `five-coloured agriculture` concept could significantly address malnutrition, particularly among womenand children.

The VC stated that each agriculture extension officer was currently serving 7,000 farmers, making digital and communication tools crucial for effective farmer advisory support. He said that despite being an agricultural country, Pakistan was importing salad for its five-star hotels. He said that 65pc of Thar`s agricultural products were organic and chemical-free, and stressed the need for processing, marketing and promoting hydroponic and urban agriculture.

Nangraj elaborated on agricultural practices and techniques discussed in book. He said that the `five-coloured agriculture` concept garnered national and international recognition, especially for its potential to prevent malnutri-tion and improve people`s health.

Nangraj told the audience that he had also developed an integrated `ICT Agricultural Extension Services Approach` to bridge the gap between the farming community and service providers. `This approach is easy to use and economical to adapt, and is being implemented by the Agriculture Extension, Sindh`.

He advocated for limiting chemical fertilisers and boosting soil fertility through nanofertilisers, urging strong advisory services for farmers to ensure agricultural development. He observed that traditional agricultural produce often failed to meet nutritional needs, whereas the five-Coloured Agriculture offered a sustainable solution.

Prof Dr Abdullah Arijolauded the book as a significant contribution to modern agriculture and avaluable resourcefor academic curricula.

Dr Mohammad Ismail Kumbhar commende d Nangraj`s work in research, extension and farmer support.

Prof Dr Mujahid Hussain Leghari announced plans to hold more such open-air awareness programmes at the recently renovated horticulture garden.

The eventfeatured speeches by renowned agricultural experts, including SAU`s proVC Dr Jan Mohammad Marri, Dean Dr Inayatullah Rajper and Director of Agricultural Research Institute Imdad Sohu.

The ceremony concluded with a plantation drive in the horticulture garden, featuring plants associated with the FiveColoured Agriculture concept.