LAHORE, Oct 4: Convener of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Committee on Food Shahid Imran on Sunday stressed the urgent need to construct water reservoirs on a priority basis to meet the growing, year-round requirements of the industrial and agricultural sectors.

Speaking at a seminar on “Conservation of Rain Water” organized under the aegis of Zia Snacks Family Food Products, he said the current Rabi season was facing nearly 25 percent water shortage, the lowest level since 2021, which was a matter of serious concern and could adversely affect the next wheat harvest.

Quoting official figures, Shahid Imran said wheat production had declined to 27.5 million tonnes against the target of 29.7 million tonnes, while consumption stood at around 32 million tonnes last season, resulting in the need for imports.

He stressed that environmental requirements must be properly assessed and incorporated into water-resource planning. The government, he said, must invest in irrigation efficiency and water conservation to address the growing water crisis.

Shahid Imran said already financially vulnerable farmers should not be forced to bear the cost of decades of institutional neglect.

He said climate change was making water availability increasingly unpredictable, while population growth and rising food demand were putting additional pressure on the country’s limited water resources.

Pakistan, he said, needed a comprehensive water policy that looked beyond a single crop, harvest or province.

“The country needs to conserve more, waste less and plan years ahead,” he concluded.