By: Liaqat Asher
As climate change accelerates, Pakistan faces a critical need to adopt climate-resilient agriculture systems. Climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) uses practices and technologies that help agricultural systems adapt to and recover from climate-related challenges, aiming to sustain food security, income, and environmental health while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, providing livelihoods for a majority of the population. Related sectors such as horticulture, livestock, and poultry are crucial to meeting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like zero hunger, improved nutrition, and climate action. With Pakistan’s population expected to double by 2050, food production must also increase significantly, positioning small and marginal farmers at the center of the country’s food security strategy.
The Climate Challenge:
The United Nations World Food Program estimates that more than 20% of Pakistan’s population is undernourished, highlighting the urgency for a robust agricultural response to climate stress. Climate change is predicted to raise temperatures by 1 to 2.5 degrees Celsius by 2030, posing serious risks to crop yields. Higher temperatures reduce crop duration, impact photosynthesis, and increase crop respiration rates, while also influencing pest populations. Soil health and water availability are also at risk, with frequent droughts, soil erosion, and nutrient depletion.
According to a 2017-18 economic survey, climate change may be decreasing annual agricultural income by 15-18%, with potential losses of up to 25% in unirrigated areas. The result is increased food scarcity, nutrient deficiencies, and health issues among vulnerable populations.
South Asia’s Warming Risk:
South Asia faces some of the world’s highest levels of climate risk, with potential temperature increases of 2-6°C by the end of the century. High levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, exceeding 400 parts per million, are contributing to global warming and salinity in coastal areas due to tidal surges. Increased salinity in soils and water sources further threatens productivity, especially in coastal regions.
Agricultural sub-sectors are already feeling the effects. A projected 30% reduction in crop yields could occur across South Asia by the mid-21st century. Rising temperatures also affect livestock, with heat stress impacting dairy production and poultry yields, while fisheries face risks from thermal stress that could impact growth and survival.
Strategies for Climate-Resilient Agriculture
To mitigate climate impact, Pakistan needs to adopt CRA practices, including:
Adaptation Technologies: Using crop and livestock breeds that can tolerate high temperatures and salinity.
Water and Nutrient Management: Efficient use of water resources and nutrient inputs to support sustainable productivity.
Conservation Agriculture: Practices such as zero tillage and agroforestry that build soil organic matter and create a supportive environment for crop growth.
Agro-Advisories and Early Warning Systems: Providing farmers with timely climate information and monitoring for proactive crop and livestock management.
The Way Forward:
For CRA to be successful in Pakistan, the government and agricultural stakeholders must prioritize the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors. Education and training programs can equip farmers and rural communities to better understand and adapt to climate risks.
Collaboration among farmers, research institutions, government bodies, funding agencies, and non-government organizations is also essential. Programs focused on skill development, particularly in digital technologies, precision farming, and climate forecasting, could greatly enhance Pakistan’s agricultural resilience.
As Pakistan prepares for a more challenging climate future, investing in CRA offers a pathway to sustain food security, economic stability, and rural livelihoods while working toward critical global climate and food security goals.
