FAO flags low soil fertility and severe nutrient deficiency across Pakistan

Islamabad [Pakistan] December 8 (ANI): During the observance of 'World Soil Day,' on Friday, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations released a new assessment indicating that Pakistan's soils are generally characterised by low fertility and significant nutrient deficiencies, as reported by Dawn.
According to the FAO analysis, the levels of organic matter in most soils are alarmingly low, compromising soil structure and diminishing water retention capacity. As of 2022, approximately 36 million hectares are categorised as agricultural land, with around 30.2 million hectares dedicated to arable farming, 5 million hectares for permanent meadows and pastures, and 0.72 million hectares allocated to permanent crops. Additionally, around 2.5 million hectares of the nation's territory is classified as forest land.