Dying crops

Reduced rainfall, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events such as floods and droughts have already begun to affect crop yields in Pakistan. Rice and wheat, two of the country's most crucial crops, are experiencing fluctuations in yield due to inconsistent water availability and changing rainfall patterns. Similarly, cotton production has been significantly impacted by extreme heat, leading to lower harvests and diminished quality. This decline in agricultural productivity not only threatens food security but also hampers Pakistan’s export potential. For instance, Pakistan’s cotton production has dropped by nearly 50 per cent over the past two decades, which negatively affects the country’s textile industry — a sector that relies heavily on domestic cotton production.

In addition to affecting exports, climate change has resulted in increased poverty levels, especially in rural areas, where millions of people rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. The economic burden of these challenges is further exacerbated by the increased costs of adaptation measures, such as upgrading irrigation systems and adopting climate-resilient farming practices. I urge the government to take immediate steps to address these challenges, including investing in climate-smart agriculture, improving water-use efficiency, and providing support to farmers in adopting climate-resilient technologies.

Iqra Jokhio

Karachi