MARSEILLE, FRANCE: Sindh Irrigation Secretary Zarif Khairu participated in the 26th World Conference of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), held in Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, France, where global experts discussed water management, irrigation systems, agricultural development and climate change.
The conference brought together international specialists and stakeholders to exchange knowledge on improving water-use efficiency, modernising irrigation infrastructure and promoting sustainable water management to support agricultural production.
Speaking at the conference, Khairu emphasised that the effective use of water resources was essential for sustainable agricultural development. He said modern technologies and efficient management systems could help reduce water wastage, improve irrigation services and ensure more productive use of available supplies.
He stressed the need to upgrade irrigation infrastructure and strengthen the monitoring and maintenance of existing systems. He also highlighted institutional accountability, transparency and performance monitoring as important elements in ensuring that irrigation networks deliver reliable services to farmers.
Khairu underscored the importance of adopting modern irrigation practices and international best practices to improve water distribution and strengthen agricultural productivity. Reliable irrigation services, he noted, are essential for farmers whose livelihoods depend on consistent access to water.
He also highlighted the potential of digital monitoring, satellite technology and data-driven approaches to improve irrigation system performance and support more effective water-resource planning. These tools can help authorities assess water availability, monitor distribution and identify areas where improvements are needed.
The discussions are particularly relevant to Sindh, where agriculture depends heavily on effective irrigation and sustainable management of water resources. Rising climate pressures, changing water availability and competing demands for water make efficient distribution and conservation increasingly important for the province’s agricultural future.
Khairu said Sindh’s agricultural economy, food security and the livelihoods of millions of farmers depend on effective water management. He stressed that protecting water resources, ensuring fair distribution and promoting sustainable irrigation systems were essential for the province’s long-term development.
The conference provided an international platform for sharing expertise and exploring approaches that could help improve irrigation governance, strengthen water-use efficiency and support more climate-resilient agriculture.
