Unprecedented dry January raises concerns for farmers

LALAMUSA: The effects of global climate change are becoming increasingly evident in Gujrat district as January 2025 marked an unprecedented dry spell.

Reportedly, for the first time since 1998, the district witnessed no rainfall throughout the entire month, deviating from the usual pattern of two to three rain spells that typically occur in January. The absence of the customary winter showers during the months of Poh and Magh has not only impacted the weather, but has also disrupted traditional agricultural and culinary practices.

Historically, the winter rains intensified the cold, prompting households to prepare traditional seasonal dishes. More importantly, these rains played a crucial role in supporting wheat cultivation as the farmers relied on natural precipitation to irrigate their crops. However, the ongoing dry conditions have forced the farmers to resort to artificial irrigation, increasing production costs and adding to their financial burden.

On the morning of February 11, light rain for approximately 15 to 20 was recorded in some areas, including Lalamusa. However, according to local farmers, this brief drizzle is insufficient to meet the irrigation needs of the wheat crop. They fear that if the dry spell continues through February, wheat production will suffer a substantial decline, leading to potential food security concerns in the region.

The persistent lack of rainfall threatens not only wheat production but also the overall agricultural output of the district. The farmers are now calling on authorities to develop sustainable water management strategies and provide support to mitigate the adverse effects of this climatic shift.