BATTLING FOOD SECURITY ISSUES IN GILGIT-BALTISTAN

By Syed Shams Uddin In a thought-provoking Facebook post, Waseem Baigal recently showcased the transformative work of the Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. This post sheds light on AKRSP's significant efforts to address the chronic shortage of arable land in these mountainous regions, where agriculture has long been constrained by terrain, climate, and scarcity of suitable farmland. By introducing innovative techniques and sustainable practices, the AKRSP has empowered local communities to cultivate their land more efficiently, maximizing limited resources and supporting local food security. AKRSP’s initiatives date back to the 1980s when the organization began developing programs to modernize traditional farming in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. The regions’ remote location and challenging geography, nestled in the northern Himalayas and Karakoram ranges, had kept agricultural practices largely rudimentary and subsistence-focused. However, the growth of local populations, along with increasing urbanization and a diminishing availability of ancestral land, demanded a more modern approach to farming. AKRSP rose to this challenge, introducing progressive methods that have redefined agriculture in the area. This transformation was grounded in a commitment to adapt agricultural practices that not only respected local traditions but also integrated sustainable technology to ensure food production could support future generations. One of the most impactful initiatives undertaken by the AKRSP has been the establishment of over 500 greenhouses across Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. These greenhouses represent a sustainable and climate-resilient solution to the regions’ food security challenges, enabling small-scale farmers to use their land to its fullest potential year-round. In climates where harsh winters traditionally halted agricultural activity for months, these greenhouses allow for continuous cultivation, giving farmers the ability to grow high-yield crops even in off-seasons. The results of this initiative have been remarkable, as small-scale farmers in the area have seen significant increases in their crop yields, contributing directly to food availability within their communities and enhancing household incomes. The importance of greenhouses in these regions is underscored by the increasing need for efficient land use. In Gilgit-Baltistan, where only about 1% of the region’s total land area is under cultivation and a similar fraction is potentially cultivable, the scarcity of arable land is a pressing issue. This land fragmentation is further compounded by population growth, which places added strain on already limited agricultural resources. As a result, the available farmland has been divided into ever-smaller plots over generations, decreasing the productivity of each plot. In such a scenario, greenhouse farming emerges as an indispensable technique that can maximize output from small land parcels. By using greenhouses, even the smallest landholdings can be transformed into productive sources of food and income, particularly in areas where urbanization has encroached on agricultural land. The AKRSP’s greenhouse model not only addresses the challenges posed by limited land but also helps mitigate the risks associated with climate change. The mountainous areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral experience extreme weather fluctuations, including prolonged winters and limited growing seasons, which restrict traditional farming practices. Greenhouses provide a controlled environment where crops are shielded from the elements, allowing for the cultivation of vegetables, fruits, and other produce that might otherwise be difficult to grow in these conditions. This adaptability is essential in an era of climate uncertainty, as it enables communities to maintain food production despite environmental stressors. Furthermore, the greenhouse model promotes sustainable agriculture by reducing the dependency on external food supplies. Historically, the isolated geography of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral meant that communities were heavily reliant on imported food products, especially during the winter months. This reliance not only inflated food prices but also made these communities vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. Through AKRSP's greenhouse initiative, local farmers can now cultivate a more diverse range of crops locally, reducing the need for imports and fostering greater food sovereignty. For these communities, greenhouse farming has become a pathway toward self-sufficiency, where they can produce enough to meet their needs and even have surplus to sell in local markets. Beyond immediate agricultural output, AKRSP's work has broader implications for the socio-economic development of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. By boosting crop yields and extending growing seasons, the greenhouse model has provided local farmers with new economic opportunities, which has a ripple effect throughout the community. Increased household incomes from agriculture mean that families have more resources to invest in education, healthcare, and other areas that contribute to overall well-being. For women, who often play a significant role in small-scale agriculture, these greenhouses offer a viable way to contribute economically to their households, enhancing gender equality and fostering community resilience. Moreover, AKRSP’s efforts have paved the way for a cultural shift in agricultural practices. Traditionally, farming methods in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral were focused on low-input, subsistence farming. AKRSP has introduced modern, sustainable techniques that have changed the local agricultural landscape, demonstrating that traditional methods can coexist with innovation. By building greenhouses and training farmers in modern crop management techniques, AKRSP has effectively bridged the gap between time-honored practices and modern agricultural science. This shift has instilled a culture of innovation among local farmers, who are increasingly open to adopting new methods that can help them optimize their land. The success of the greenhouse initiative also underscores the importance of community-driven development. AKRSP’s approach prioritizes the needs and voices of the local population, ensuring that their programs are rooted in the real challenges faced by these communities. Through workshops, training sessions, and hands-on support, AKRSP has empowered farmers to take ownership of their agricultural practices and encouraged them to be proactive in addressing food security issues. This participatory approach ensures that the greenhouse initiative is not a top-down intervention but rather a collaborative effort that resonates with the values and aspirations of the people it serves. Looking ahead, there is immense potential to expand the greenhouse model across Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. Replicating this approach in other areas could provide even more households with the tools they need to achieve year-round food production and improve their economic standing. For regions where land is scarce and the climate is unpredictable, such sustainable agricultural solutions are indispensable in securing a resilient future. In summary, the AKRSP's greenhouse initiative is a testament to the transformative power of sustainable development. By addressing land scarcity, enhancing food security, and fostering economic resilience, this program serves as a model for other mountainous and resource-limited regions. As AKRSP continues to work closely with local communities, the impact of their efforts will likely be felt for generations, illustrating that small, innovative steps can lead to profound and lasting change.