Speaking at a conference on agriculture, food and animal sciences in Karachi, figures including Sindh Agriculture University vice-chancellor Mujeebuddin Memon Sehrai said that food resources were threatened by acute water shortage and deteriorating soil fertility caused by changing weather patterns.
Dr Mujeebuddin said he would send a number of recommendations for improvements to cropping systems to the Sindh chief minister for assessment.
With other senior academics, he opposed the conversion of fertile land into towns and villagse, and called for the practice to be checked through legislation.
Together, they also called for the government to appoint a high-level committee of researchers, academics and officials to frame food policy, and stressed the need for conservation and a restoration of local animal breeds and indigenous seeds.