Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and changing seasons are seriously affecting crop yields
LAHORE:
Punjab is called the food basket of Pakistan. Major crops such as wheat, rice, sugar cane, maize and cotton are grown here. However, during the last 15 to 20 years, Punjab’s climate has changed rapidly. Rainfall patterns have become erratic, heat has intensified, and winters are becoming shorter and less cold, putting farmers under stress and significantly reducing crop yields.
According to seasonal forecast reports of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the average temperature in Punjab has been increasing since 2000, while rainfall has become unpredictable. Heat intensity and duration have increased and winters have become shorter, disrupting natural crop cycles.
Research from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad 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 percent 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 erratic, with some years seeing heavy rains and others facing severe drought. Unexpected rains in April have affected the wheat harvest, while heavy rains in July and August pose a risk to cotton and rice crops.
Dr. Anjum Ali, executive member of the Punjab Agriculture Research Board, said climate change in Punjab has now taken the form of a “climate shift” where the traditional monsoon cycle has changed and rainfall occurs in shorter but more intense periods. He added that changing temperature and rainfall patterns are also changing crop trends, particularly in central Punjab, where water-intensive crops such as sugarcane, rice and maize are increasing while cotton cultivation is declining.
To meet these challenges, several changes are introduced in the agricultural system. Short-duration seed varieties, modern breeding programs and the use of micronutrients and potassium chloride are promoted to help crops withstand harsh climatic conditions. He also noted that pest infestations are increasing due to higher temperatures accelerating their reproduction.
Dr. Buttar recommended promoting digital agriculture, providing farmers with timely information and adopting cluster farming models. He also stressed the need for better water management, storage infrastructure and investment in research and development. On the other hand, progressive farmer Aamir Hayat Bhandara said climate change has severely affected sowing and harvesting times. Unexpected rains in March and April delay the wheat harvest, affecting yields. Similarly, sudden increases in temperature cause crops to ripen prematurely, increasing the risk of reduced production.
“Heat waves, floods and droughts together disrupt the agricultural system. Year-to-year temperature fluctuations are becoming more noticeable, affecting the entire crop growth cycle. Farmers need to adjust crop selection and planting schedules according to climate risks. At the same time, the government should provide financial protection, access to climate information and modern agricultural technologies,” said Bhandara Technologies.
Khalid Mahmood Khokhar, president of Pakistan Kisan Ittehad, stated that climate change has already caused farmers losses of billions of rupees. He warned that if immediate measures are not taken, farmers may stop growing wheat next year. “Climate change has destroyed us. The government spends billions of dollars on imports while ignoring local farmers.”
