Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and changing seasons are seriously affecting crop yields.
LAHORE:
Punjab is called the food basket of Pakistan. Important crops such as wheat, rice, sugar cane, corn and cotton are grown here. However, in the last 15 to 20 years, the climate of Punjab has changed rapidly. Rainfall patterns have become erratic, heat has intensified and winters have become shorter and colder, putting stress on farmers and significantly reducing crop yields.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s seasonal outlook reports, the average temperature in Punjab has been increasing since 2000, while rainfall has become unpredictable. The intensity and duration of heat have increased and winters have become shorter, altering natural crop cycles.
Research by the Faisalabad Agricultural University and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council shows that rising temperatures are shortening the growing period of crops. The study indicates that an increase of 1 to 4 degrees Celsius could reduce wheat production by 9 to 30 percent.
According to the International Food Policy Research Institute, more than 80 percent of farmers in Punjab are experiencing the effects of climate change. Rainfall patterns in central Punjab have become unstable, with some years seeing heavy rains and others facing severe droughts. Unexpected rains in April have affected the wheat crop, while heavy rains in July and August pose risks to cotton and rice crops.
Dr Anjum Ali, executive member of the Punjab Agricultural Research Board, said climate change in Punjab has now taken the form of “climate change”, where the traditional monsoon cycle has changed and rainfall occurs in shorter but more intense periods. He added that changes in temperature and rainfall patterns are also altering crop trends, especially in central Punjab, where water-intensive crops such as sugarcane, rice and maize are increasing, while cotton cultivation is declining.
To address these challenges, several changes are being introduced in the agricultural system. Short-duration seed varieties, modern breeding programs and the use of micronutrients and potash are being promoted to help crops withstand harsh climatic conditions. He also noted that pest attacks are increasing because higher temperatures accelerate their reproduction.
Dr Buttar recommended promoting digital farming, providing farmers with timely information and adopting cluster farming models. He also emphasized the need for better water management, storage infrastructure and investment in research and development. On the other hand, progressive farmer Aamir Hayat Bhandara said that climate change has severely affected sowing and harvesting times. Unexpected rain in March and April delayed wheat harvesting, affecting yields. Similarly, sudden increases in temperature cause crops to mature prematurely, increasing the risk of reduced production.
“Heat waves, floods and droughts together are disrupting the agricultural system. Year-to-year temperature fluctuations are becoming more noticeable and affecting the entire crop growth cycle. Farmers must adjust crop selection and sowing schedules according to climate risks. At the same time, the government must provide financial protection, access to climate information and modern agricultural technologies,” Bhandara said.
Pakistan Kisan Ittehad President Khalid Mahmood Khokhar said climate change has already caused losses to farmers worth billions of rupees. He warned that if immediate action is not taken, farmers could stop growing wheat next year. “Climate change has devastated us. The government is spending billions of dollars on imports while ignoring local farmers.”
