Ghulam Ahmad
Climate change is no longer a distant threat for Pakistan — it is a daily reality. From record-breaking heatwaves to devastating floods, our farmers are facing a challenge unlike any other. Agriculture, which sustains more than 40% of our workforce and contributes significantly to GDP, is under siege.
The past few years have shown us what “ruthless” climate change truly looks like. Unprecedented monsoon rains submerged millions of acres of farmland, destroying rice in the north and cotton, maize, and orchards in southern Punjab. Rising temperatures have shortened growing seasons, increased pest attacks, and reduced yields. For a country already struggling with food security, this is nothing short of a crisis.
We cannot continue business as usual. Climate-smart agriculture must become the backbone of our future policies. This means adopting drought-tolerant and flood-resistant crop varieties, improving drainage and irrigation systems, and promoting precision farming to conserve water and fertilizers.
Farmers must also be guided on shifting to crops better suited for the new climate reality — short-duration rice varieties, heat-tolerant maize, pulses, oilseeds, and fodder crops that secure livestock feed. Cotton zones must be protected through timely sowing windows and pest management, while orchard growers should focus on resilient fruit species and better canopy management to withstand heat stress.
To combat climate change effectively, Pakistan needs a nationwide climate adaptation strategy that connects science, technology, and farmer training. Digital platforms can deliver real-time weather forecasts and crop advisories to farmers’ phones. Water reservoirs and solar-powered tube wells should be prioritized to ensure year-round irrigation. Afforestation campaigns and soil regeneration programs must be scaled up to restore degraded lands and reduce carbon emissions.
At the policy level, climate change must be treated as a national security issue. Subsidies should reward sustainable farming practices, and crop insurance should be made accessible to protect farmers from financial ruin after climate disasters. Collaborative efforts with global partners can bring in climate finance and technology transfer, helping Pakistan leapfrog toward a more resilient agricultural future.
If we act now, we can protect our agriculture, our economy, and our future generations. If we delay, the ruthless hand of climate change will continue to wipe out our crops and crush our farmers’ livelihoods.
Author is a progressive grower and pattern in chief of Pakistan Fertilizer Dealers Association