Climate Resilience in Pakistan's Agriculture Sector

Climate change has emerged as a formidable challenge to Pakistan’s agriculture sector, amplifying the risks associated with weather variability and environmental degradation. The country, with over 60% of its population dependent on agriculture for livelihood, is experiencing a growing frequency of climate-induced disasters such as floods, heatwaves, and prolonged droughts. These phenomena not only reduce crop productivity but also intensify rural poverty and food insecurity. According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2021, Pakistan ranks among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable nations globally, with its agriculture sector disproportionately impacted (Germanwatch, 2021).

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has reported a 1.5°C increase in average temperature over the last six decades, with projections pointing toward even greater warming in the years to come (PMD, 2023). Rising temperatures have led to shorter growing seasons and increased evapotranspiration, putting strain on already limited water resources. Erratic monsoons further compound these challenges. For instance, the 2022 floods, triggered by intense monsoon rains, destroyed 4.4 million acres of cropland and displaced thousands of farming families (NDMA, 2022). On the other end of the spectrum, persistent droughts in Balochistan and Sindh have caused crop failures, water scarcity, and soil degradation, further destabilizing rural economies.

Moreover, climate variability has led to shifting pest and disease patterns, threatening both staple crops like wheat and rice, and high-value fruits and vegetables. Heatwaves have also impacted livestock health and productivity, compounding the vulnerability of rural households. The cumulative effect of these events is a decline in agricultural output, higher food prices, and reduced export competitiveness. If left unaddressed, climate change could significantly derail Pakistan’s progress toward food security and economic development. It is therefore critical to adopt climate-resilient agricultural strategies, invest in early warning systems, and promote sustainable land and water management to mitigate these escalating risks.

Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties and Adaptation Strategies in Pakistan

Pakistan’s agriculture sector, which underpins the livelihoods of over 60% of the rural population, is under immense stress due to the intensifying impacts of climate change. To address these growing vulnerabilities, the adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties has emerged as one of the most effective adaptation strategies. Research institutions such as the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and international partners like CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) have played a pivotal role in developing and introducing crop varieties tailored to Pakistan’s increasingly erratic weather patterns. These include drought-tolerant wheat and maize such as Punjab-2011 and Sahiwal-2017, which require 30% less water while maintaining productivity under dry conditions. Flood-resistant rice varieties like Swat-1 and IRRI-6 can survive submergence for up to two weeks, safeguarding harvests in flood-prone areas. Similarly, heat-tolerant cotton varieties such as FH-142 and MNH-886 continue to yield even during heatwaves exceeding 40°C. Field reports from Punjab and Sindh indicate yield increases of 20–30% using these improved varieties during extreme climate events, highlighting their potential to enhance food security and farmer resilience.

Alongside genetic improvements, smart soil and water management techniques are crucial to sustaining agricultural productivity in a water-scarce environment. Conservation tillage practices help retain soil moisture and reduce erosion, improving yields by up to 20% in arid zones. Drip irrigation systems have been especially successful in cutting water use by 60% and boosting yields by up to 40%. Rainwater harvesting through small ponds and check dams, particularly in drought-prone regions like Balochistan and Thar, has ensured consistent crop production despite erratic rainfall. Integrating trees with crops through agroforestry provides additional benefits, including reduced wind erosion, improved soil fertility, and temperature regulation. Trees like Kikar and Ber in Punjab have proven especially effective, and national initiatives like the “10 Billion Tree Tsunami” have supported sustainable land use by restoring 500,000 hectares of degraded land.

Digital tools are further transforming climate adaptation strategies. Technologies like satellite-based weather forecasting and mobile apps such as Khushhal Kissan and PARC Weather Advisory provide farmers with timely planting and irrigation guidance. Sensor-based irrigation systems in Sindh and Punjab have reduced water waste by 35%, while increasing precision in resource use. These tools help farmers make better decisions, reduce input costs, and optimize yields.

Policy interventions and financial safety nets play a vital role in scaling these solutions. The government’s Kisan Package provides subsidies for climate-resilient seeds and efficient irrigation tools, while weather-indexed insurance schemes—implemented in collaboration with the World Bank and the State Bank of Pakistan—offer compensation for crop losses due to extreme weather. Capacity-building programs led by PARC and other institutions train farmers in climate-smart agriculture practices, promoting widespread adoption of adaptive techniques. By combining innovation, infrastructure, and institutional support, these efforts pave the way for a resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural future in Pakistan.

Conclusion

In the face of intensifying climate change impacts, Pakistan’s agriculture sector stands at a critical crossroads. The increasing frequency of floods, droughts, heatwaves, and shifting pest dynamics threatens not only crop yields but also the food security and livelihoods of millions. However, this crisis also presents an opportunity to reimagine and restructure agricultural practices through resilience-focused interventions. Climate-resilient crop varieties, smart irrigation systems, soil conservation, agroforestry, and digital technologies are proving effective in helping farmers cope with unpredictable weather patterns.

Programs such as the Kisan Package and weather-indexed insurance schemes further strengthen farmers’ capacity to adapt and recover. Yet, the long-term success of these efforts hinges on robust policy support, coordinated institutional efforts, and community engagement. It is essential that public and private sectors collaborate to expand research, fund innovation, and deliver region-specific solutions at scale. Empowering farmers through training, access to resources, and timely information will be key to ensuring sustainable rural development. With decisive action and investment, Pakistan can build a climate-resilient agricultural system that not only withstands environmental shocks but also drives inclusive growth and food security for future generations.

References: Germanwatch; PMD; NDMA; PARC; World Bank

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

The writer is affiliated with the Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam Sindh, Pakistan and can be reached at safiarind333@gmail.com 

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