Innovative Farming Methods Combat Climate Change in Pakistan
Pakistan ranks as the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change, according to the Global Climate Risk Index. Despite contributing less than one percent of global carbon emissions, the nation faces severe consequences of climate change, including rising temperatures and threats to agriculture and food security. Erratic rainfall impacts wheat crops, while maize fields are often destroyed by heavy rains and storms.
However, Raz Muhammad, a 46-year-old resident of Darra Adam Khel, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has found a way to mitigate these losses. After years of losing his maize crops to harsh weather, he switched to growing potatoes this season.
Speaking to TNN, Raz Muhammad shared his decision to replace maize with potatoes after multiple crop failures due to unpredictable weather: "I decided to plant vegetables to avoid losses. Darra Adam Khel has enough water supply and frequent rains, which are favorable for potato farming. We apply urea and sprays initially, which are essential, and it takes about a year for the potatoes to mature. Regular watering is crucial; we irrigate the fields every two to three days and remove weeds daily. Once ready, we transport the produce to the market, where it yields a good profit," he explained.
The threat of climate change looms large over Pakistan, with rising temperatures and drought on one hand, and increased flood risk from abnormal rainfall on the other. To tackle these challenges, the Department of Agriculture has implemented several initiatives.
Dr. Hafiz Farhad, Director of Extension Agriculture at the Department of Agriculture, told TNN that they conduct training sessions for farmers on how to protect their crops from the effects of climate change. "We have over 100 farm service centers operating, with 250,000 farmers registered at the provincial level. These farmers manage their seeds, fertilizers, and machinery, while the centers provide support and strategies to make their work easier," he said.
Dr. Farhad further elaborated on the department's initiatives, mentioning that their 'Terrace Farming Setup' includes up to 700,000 registered farmers. They use SMS services to inform farmers about effective farming techniques, which crops to plant in which months, and how to combat climate change. "We educate them on the right methods of farming and encourage them to contact agricultural institutions or local centers for assistance in resolving any issues," he added.
Addressing the impact of climate change on agriculture, Dr. Farhad explained that Pakistan is a floodplain country, which means it is prone to flooding. "Floods used to occur every 25 years, then every 20 years, and now the frequency has decreased to about every 10 years. Preventive measures are essential to mitigate flood damage, such as conserving water. The government has launched the National Security Policy 2026, focusing on climate change and food security. This policy aims to create a strong economy, generate additional resources, and ensure their fair distribution to enhance both military and human security."
According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Crop Reporting Service, rising temperatures, severe droughts, and intense storms have severely impacted agriculture in the province. Like Raz Muhammad, other farmers must also seek innovative solutions to protect their crops from the adverse effects of climate change.
