As Pakistan braces for an uncertain future, the urgency for innovation and adaptation in agriculture has never been greater.
Shaheen Afridi
Agricultural experts in Pakistan predict a looming food crisis due to climate change, with the country potentially facing significant shortages in the future. To mitigate the damage caused by shifting weather patterns and to boost agricultural production, many farmers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are turning to hybrid crops.
Muddabir Shah, a 55-year-old farmer from Charsadda district, is one such farmer. He grows hybrid tomatoes on his three-acre farm, hoping for a good yield. Charsadda, located at the confluence of three major rivers – Swat, Jindi, and Kabul – is considered the third largest agricultural district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, after Dera Ismail Khan and Mardan.
Muddabir Shah explains, “This land is suitable for all kinds of vegetables and fruits, but climate change has significantly reduced its productivity. Due to untimely rains, floods, and a shortage of arable land, I prefer to plant hybrid crops for better yields.” This year, he planted hybrid tomatoes and expects four times the yield compared to traditional crops.
“If my crop survives the monsoon floods, I expect an income of 700,000 to 800,000 rupees in a short three-month season. With traditional crops, I could only earn 60,000 to 70,000 rupees,” he shares. “I chose hybrid tomatoes because they are less prone to rot after watering. The plants grow vertically with the help of wires, making harvesting easier. Hybrid tomatoes are also larger and fetch a better price in the market.”
Productivity is declining
Farmers in the region typically plant hybrid seeds for six months, from mid-February to early August, but climate change has affected even this planting cycle. Muddabir Shah, who has been cultivating tomatoes for over two decades, now works tirelessly to protect his crops. To counter the effects of climate change, he has opted for hybrid seeds and grows fruits and vegetables better suited to the warmer climate.
“Hybrid crops are resilient to climate change,” says Muddabir Shah. “For example, hybrid tomato plants have stronger leaves that remain covered after rain, reducing the risk of rot. Another advantage is that hybrid crops yield more. With traditional tomatoes, we harvested 30 to 40 kilos daily, but with hybrid varieties, we can get up to 70 kilos a day.”
Despite the profitability of vegetables and fresh fruits for farmers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, climate change remains a significant threat. Farmers say their crops have suffered due to untimely rains and floods. Researchers note that while agriculture accounts for 22 per cent of Pakistan’s production, the sector’s productivity is declining.
Dr. Iftikhar Alam, a nutrition expert, explains, “The outdated agricultural systems, the shortage of arable land due to a growing population, water scarcity, climate change, and terrorism are all negatively impacting agricultural production. Considering these challenges, Pakistan, like many other countries, may face food shortages in the future.”
“If the agricultural sector is not equipped with modern technology, a severe food crisis could be imminent,” warns Dr. Alam. “Besides all other reasons, a lack of knowledge, inadequate training for farmers, and a lack of awareness are the major contributors. The agricultural sector plays a vital role in strengthening any country’s economy, and reforms and innovation are necessary.”
Untimely rains
According to agricultural experts, food shortages not only affect Pakistan’s exports but also fail to meet local demand, and food scarcity in the country is rapidly increasing.
Shaukat Ayaz, another farmer from Charsadda, shares how the rains damaged his strawberry crop. “Last year, we spent 200,000 rupees on three acres of land. Due to the rains, the entire field sank into the ground, and we sold the crop for just 100,000 rupees. But now we have planted hybrid crops because these plants are resilient to harsh weather.”
On the other hand, farmers have condemned the challenges they face, including a rise in fertilizer and seed prices over the past two years and low market prices for their products. Farmers say the government’s lack of training also harms the agricultural sector. Muddabir Shah states that inflation is another major pressure following climate change.
“Previously, a bag of DAP fertilizer cost 5,000 rupees, but now it’s 11,500 rupees. Pesticides, which were 500 rupees, are now 1,500 rupees. Inflation has also made labor wages and crop-protecting medicines more expensive,” laments Muddabir Shah.
According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Crop Reporting Service (CRS), agriculture in the province faces the effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, severe droughts, and intense rainfall.
The agency notes that these sudden and severe weather changes not only directly affect the quality of food produced in the province but also reduce its quantity. To address this issue, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has begun focusing on modern agriculture in the climate sector.
As Pakistan braces for an uncertain future, the urgency for innovation and adaptation in agriculture has never been greater.
