Pakistan grapples with 30% water scarcity 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 30 percent water shortage 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 a result of below-average winter snowfall in Pakistan’s northern glacier region, which has impacted the catchment areas of the Indus and Jhelum Rivers, relied upon for irrigation.
The sowing of Kharif crops, which include rice, maize, sugarcane, and cotton, typically takes place in April and requires a wet and warm climate with ample rainfall.
Muhammad Azam Khan, an assistant researcher with IRSA, attributes the reduced snowfall to climate change’s impact on the country’s glaciers. He explains that this will directly affect the availability of water for the summer cultivation of Kharif crops.
While the water shortage is expected to decrease as monsoon rains arrive later in the season, the meteorological department has forecast higher-than-normal temperatures during the monsoon season, adding to the uncertainty.
Agriculture is Pakistan’s largest economic sector, accounting for approximately 24 percent of its GDP. However, the sector has faced criticism for its inefficient use of water.
The current water shortfall will require authorities to effectively plan and utilize the allotted water for crops, suggests Khan from IRSA.
Pakistan, with a population of over 250 million, has been experiencing the significant 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 the country’s cotton crop.
Source: [Arab News](https://www.arabnews.com)
