Climate Change in Pakistan 2024: Effects on Agriculture
Agriculture in Pakistan is facing some of its toughest challenges yet, thanks largely to the changing climate. With nearly 40% of people working in farming and agriculture contributing about 20% to the country’s economy,”These changes don’t just affect fields—they affect people’s plates, incomes, and entire communities.”Farmers now deal with sudden floods one season and parched, cracked land the next. The weather no longer follows a pattern, leaving them constantly on edge.” In this article, we’ll take a close look at how climate change is affecting farming here, the water and soil problems farmers are confronting, new smart farming techniques being adopted, government efforts, and what can be done to protect the future of Pakistani agriculture.
Did you know?Pakistan’s main crop production dropped by 13.5% in 2024–25 due to heatwaves and irregular rainfall caused by climate change.
Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture in Pakistan
Summers in Pakistan are growing harsher, and farmers are witnessing it firsthand in their fields. Hotter summers and more frequent heatwaves are causing serious trouble for staple crops such as wheat, rice, and cotton. When crops like wheat face high temperatures at the wrong time, such as during flowering, they simply don’t develop well, leading to weaker harvests. Farmers in Punjab and Sindh are especially vulnerable, as these regions produce a big chunk of the country’s food.
Did you know? A 2°C rise in temperature from heatwaves can cut wheat yields by almost one-third, putting food security at risk for millions in Pakistan.
In dry areas like Tharparkar and parts of southern Punjab, desertification is eating away fertile land. Soil is drying out, and strong winds carry it away, leaving less good soil for crops to grow. Many farmers rely on rainfall instead of irrigation, so when the land becomes barren, their chance to harvest crops shrinks. This not only cuts food production but also threatens the livelihoods of families who depend on farming.
Farmers in Pakistan are caught between two extremes too much water and too little. Earlier this year, floods from heavy monsoon rains destroyed fields, ruined irrigation channels, and displaced communities. Meanwhile, places like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa dealt with droughts that dried out the soil and reduced water availability, making farming almost impossible in some areas. These swings make it hard for farmers to plan and depend on regular growing seasons.
Water Scarcity
The Indus River system makes up the bulk of irrigation in Pakistani farmland. Crops and animals have also been impacted by the imbalanced water supply produced by melting ice and unforeseen monsoon rains.
Soil Degradation
High temperatures and low rainfall have negative effects on soil quality. Crop production is falling in farm areas due to higher salinity, erosion, and fertilizer depletion.
Increased Pest and Disease Pressure
Increasing temperatures produce optimum conditions for pests and diseases, reducing crop quality and production.
Impact on Livelihoods
Farmers in Pakistan, especially small-scale farmers, are suffering financially due to reduced productivity, increased input costs, and damages suffered by disastrous weather.
Problems Caused by Climate Change in Pakistan’s Agriculture
Climate change in Pakistan 2025 has brought numerous challenges to the agricultural sector. These challenges are reducing farming productivity and increasing costs, endangering farmers’ lives and the nation’s food supply.
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- Floods, droughts, and heatwaves have become more frequent and intense, causing crop destruction and livestock loss.
- Fluctuating temperatures make it difficult for farmers to plan sowing and harvesting cycles.
- Socioeconomic factors, lack of access to climate-smart technologies, and inefficient use of inputs lower farm-level productivity.
- Small-scale farmers bear the brunt of climate change due to limited resources and a lack of financial safety nets.
Solutions to Climate Change in Agriculture
To combat global warming and its adverse effects on agriculture, the following climate-smart solutions can be adopted
Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture
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- Use of drought-resistant and heat-tolerant crop varieties.
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- Development of climate-resilient farming systems through government policies.
Improved Irrigation Practices
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- Shift to efficient irrigation methods like drip irrigation and sprinkler systems to conserve water.
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- Rainwater harvesting and construction of reservoirs to mitigate water scarcity.
Greenhouse Technology
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- Use of greenhouses to create controlled environments for high-value crops.
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- Reducing dependency on unpredictable weather conditions.
Promoting Sustainable Practices
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- Reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers and encourage organic farming.
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- Encourage afforestation and reforestation efforts to combat deforestation.
Government Support
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- Financial assistance for farmers to adopt new technologies.
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- Subsidies for climate-smart inputs and insurance for weather-related crop losses.
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2025 Budget and Climate Change Initiatives
Pakistan’s 2025–26 budget is the country’s first climate‑focused budget. Around 30% of public development projects must now pass a Climate Public Investment Management Assessment to ensure climate concerns are included in planning.
Over Rs 85 billion has been set aside for climate projects, including Rs 22 billion for making agriculture more resilient, along with investments in water management and clean energy.
Pakistan’s updated climate goals aim for a 60% cut in emissions (with support), 60% renewable energy in the mix, and 30% electric vehicles by 2030. Key programs like the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami and the Ecosystem Restoration Fund will continue, along with efforts to raise climate finance through green bonds.
However, heavy reliance on fossil fuels and weak coordination between governments remain big challenges. The agenda focuses on protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring food security and sustainable growth despite climate risks.
Climate change has a significant impact on Pakistan’s agriculture, modifying production, livelihoods, and food security. With increasing temperatures and climate changes, urgent action is required to implement climate-smart technology and sustainable practices. Farmers, officials, and community members must work together to improve agricultural strength and assure Pakistan’s long-term food security.
FAQs
How does climate change affect agriculture in Pakistan?
Climate change affects agriculture in Pakistan by reducing crop yields, causing water scarcity, degrading soil, and increasing pest pressure. Farmers are also facing economic losses due to extreme weather events.
What are the main causes of climate change?
The main causes of climate change include greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and unsustainable farming practices that exacerbate the greenhouse effect.
What is climate-smart agriculture?
Climate-smart agriculture refers to practices and technologies that increase productivity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and making farming more resilient to climate change.
How can Pakistan mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture?
Pakistan can mitigate climate change effects by adopting sustainable farming practices, improving irrigation efficiency, using climate-resilient crop varieties, and supporting farmers with better policies and financial aid.
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