Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and changing seasons have serious impacts on crop yields.
LAHORE:
Punjab is called the food basket of Pakistan. Major crops such as wheat, rice, sugarcane, corn and cotton are grown here. However, over the last 15 to 20 years, the climate of Punjab has changed rapidly. Rainfall has become erratic, heat has intensified and winters have become shorter and less cold, putting farmers under stress and significantly reducing crop yields.
According to seasonal outlook reports from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the average temperature in Punjab has increased since 2000, while rainfall has become unpredictable. The intensity and duration of heat increased and winters shortened, disrupting natural crop cycles.
Research by the Faisalabad Agricultural University and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council shows that rising temperatures shorten 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 drought. Unexpected rains in April affected the wheat harvest, while heavy rains in July and August pose risks to cotton and rice crops.
Dr Anjum Ali, executive member of the Punjab Agricultural Research Council, said climate change in Punjab has now taken the form of “climate change”, in which the traditional monsoon cycle has changed and rainfall occurs in shorter but more intense periods. He added that changes in temperature and precipitation are also altering agricultural trends, especially in central Punjab, where water-intensive crops like sugarcane, rice and corn are increasing, while cotton cultivation is declining.
To meet 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 encouraged to help crops withstand harsh climatic conditions. He also noted that pest attacks are increasing due to higher temperatures which accelerate their reproduction.
Dr Buttar recommended promoting digital agriculture, providing farmers with timely information and adopting cluster farming models. He also highlighted 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 seriously affected the sowing and harvesting periods. Unexpected rains in March and April delay the wheat harvest, affecting yields. Likewise, sudden increases in temperature cause crops to mature prematurely, increasing the risk of reduced production.
“Heat waves, floods and droughts together disrupt the agricultural system. Year-on-year temperature fluctuations become more visible, affecting the entire crop growth cycle. Farmers need to adjust crop selection and planting schedules based on climate risks. At the same time, the government should provide financial protection, access to climate information and modern agricultural technologies,” Bhandara said.
Khalid Mahmood Khokhar, President of Pakistan Kisan Ittehad, said that 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.”
