Pakistan to Experience 30% Water Shortage During Sowing Season
Published on: April 4, 2024.
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Pakistan Faces Water Shortage at Start of Sowing Season for Cash Crops
Pakistan is currently experiencing a water shortage of 30 percent at the beginning of the sowing season for cash crops like rice and cotton, according to the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), the country’s water regulator. The shortage is due to lower-than-normal winter snowfall in the northern glacier region of Pakistan, affecting the catchment areas of the Indus and Jhelum Rivers, which are crucial for irrigation.
Kharif crops, which include rice, maize, sugarcane, and cotton, are typically sown in April and require a wet and warm climate with high levels of rainfall. However, the reduced snowfall caused by climate change has led to less water availability for these crops during the summer.
Muhammad Azam Khan, an assistant researcher with IRSA, explained that the lack of snowfall would directly impact the availability of water for the kharif crops. He also mentioned that this water shortage gap is expected to lessen as the monsoon rains arrive later in the season. However, the country’s meteorological department has predicted higher-than-normal temperatures during the monsoon season, adding to the uncertainty.
Agriculture is Pakistan’s largest sector, contributing approximately 24 percent to its GDP. However, the sector has drawn criticism for its inefficient water usage. In light of the current water shortfall, authorities will need to improve their water utilization planning for the crops, stated IRSA’s Khan.
Pakistan, with a population of over 250 million, is the world’s fifth-largest country. It has been facing the profound impacts of climate change, including shifting and unpredictable weather patterns. In 2022, devastating floods, which scientists linked to climate change, affected more than 30 million people and severely impacted Pakistan’s cotton crop.
Source: [Arab News](https://www.arabnews.com)
