Pakistan's Winter Crops Suffer Amid Drought

 

Pakistan's Winter Crops Suffer Amid Drought

Pakistan is currently facing a serious agricultural crisis as a prolonged drought has significantly impacted the winter harvest, particularly in the country’s largest province, Punjab. With a sharp decline in rainfall—42% below normal levels between September and mid-January—farmers are reporting lower yields and growing uncertainty about the future of key staple crops.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has officially classified the situation as a “mild drought,” which is now affecting most of Punjab, all of Sindh, and parts of Balochistan. According to weather experts, the absence of much-needed winter rains has disrupted the natural growing cycle for vital crops like wheat, potatoes, and vegetables, threatening both food security and the livelihoods of millions of farmers.

One of the most severely affected crops is potatoes, with reports from the Punjab Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association indicating that average yields have dropped by almost 50%. Farmers who would typically harvest between 100 to 120 sacks per acre are now only managing around 60. This sharp decline has not only hurt domestic supply but is also expected to impact export volumes, further straining the country’s agricultural economy.

Wheat, a staple crop for Pakistan’s population of over 240 million, is also under threat. Ishfaq Ahmad Jatt, a wheat farmer from Multan, expressed his concern, stating that the lack of winter rain has left wheat fields dry and underdeveloped. He warned that if rainfall doesn’t occur soon, wheat yields could drop by up to 50%, creating food supply issues later in the year.

This situation is alarming for a country where agriculture contributes nearly 25% to the GDP and employs about 37% of the workforce. Many small-scale farmers are struggling to cope with the rising cost of irrigation due to water shortages. Some are even considering leaving agriculture altogether as they face mounting losses.

Experts warn that climate change is a key driver behind this increasingly erratic weather pattern. Just two years ago, Pakistan faced catastrophic floods due to record monsoon rains, submerging nearly a third of the country. Now, it’s suffering from the opposite extreme—an extended dry spell that threatens crop production and food availability. The PMD has also cautioned that the country could experience "flash droughts" as temperatures rise in the coming months, compounding the crisis.

The drought also highlights Pakistan’s growing water scarcity problem. The country heavily depends on the Indus River, but increasing demand, inefficient water management, and the effects of climate change are putting immense pressure on this critical resource.

To combat the crisis, there is an urgent need for policy reforms, better irrigation systems, climate-resilient crops, and increased support for farmers. Without immediate and coordinated action, Pakistan could face long-term food insecurity and economic instability rooted in environmental stress.

In summary, the ongoing drought is more than a seasonal challenge—it’s a wake-up call for Pakistan to prepare for a future shaped by climate change. The survival of its agriculture sector, and the livelihoods it supports, may well depend on how the country responds today.