The impact of climate change on agriculture in Pakistan is becoming increasingly apparent, with disruptions to crop cycles, extreme weather events, and a decline in crop quality and nutritional value. Farmers are struggling to adapt to the changing conditions, which are affecting staple food crops such as wheat and rice.

Climate Change: A Menace to Pakistan’s Agriculture

Climate change is having a profound impact on agriculture in Pakistan, affecting farmers’ ability to grow crops and produce food. Rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and extreme weather events are causing disruptions to crop cycles, reducing yields, and diminishing the nutritional value of staple grains.

The Impact of Rising Temperatures

Rising temperatures are one of the most significant impacts of climate change in Pakistan. Heatwaves have become more frequent and intense, which can lead to decreased crop yields and crop damage. Last year, Pakistan experienced its hottest year on record, with temperatures exceeding 1°C above the pre-industrial level. High temperatures can reduce grain weight and quality, making it difficult for farmers to earn a living.

One farmer, Sami Khan, from KP’s Charsadda region, experienced the devastating effects of a heatwave on his wheat crops. His fields, once known for tall and yellow crops, were now lifeless due to the scorching temperatures. To combat the heat, Sami harvested his crops earlier this year, but unexpected rains disrupted the crop cycle, and his fields were attacked by the leaf rust disease.

Disruptions in Growth Cycle

Erratic weather patterns and extreme weather events are disrupting crucial growth stages of crops, diminishing grain size, yield, and quality. High temperatures can cause early maturation of crops without gaining the required weight, reducing yields. Excessive rainfall and floods can cause lodging in standing crops, making harvesting difficult and shrinking overall yield.

The crops most vulnerable to climate change in Pakistan include cotton, rice, maize, sugarcane, wheat, and vegetables. These crops require specific temperature conditions during each stage of their growth cycle. When these conditions are not met due to climate change, crop yields and quality are adversely affected.

Nutrient Loss and Food Insecurity

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and extreme weather events can lead to a decline in the nutritional value of staple crops. Higher CO2 levels reduce the protein, iron, and zinc content of rice, wheat, barley, and potatoes. This poses a serious threat to the nutritional status of the population, particularly for the 10.5 million people in Pakistan who already face acute food insecurity.

Climate-related disasters, such as floods and droughts, exacerbate food insecurity in the country. The scarcity of food and water, coupled with climate-related challenges, contribute to malnutrition, particularly among young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Livestock, which is essential for food security, is also at risk due to extreme weather events, putting further strain on nutrition.

Adapting to Climate Change

Despite Pakistan’s limited contribution to carbon emissions, it is among the countries most affected by climate change. To minimize the impact of climate change on agriculture, several measures can be taken. Planting trees and increasing forest cover can help mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing carbon dioxide levels and preventing floods.

Introducing crop varieties that are resistant to droughts and heatwaves, improving irrigation techniques, and investing in resilient agricultural infrastructure are also essential. Expanding access to weather forecasting services and climate information can empower farmers to make informed decisions. Accelerating investment in sustainable agrifood systems is crucial to address the long-term impacts of climate change on agriculture while ensuring food security and resilience for vulnerable communities.

Climate change is a daunting challenge, but by implementing these measures, Pakistan can mitigate its effects on agriculture and ensure a more sustainable future for its farmers and food security.

Source:

Source