Experts warn climate change may hit Punjab’s wheat production

Unusual weather hits wheat farms hard in southern Punjab, especially Multan. Farmers fear much lower yields per acre due to these changes.

According to the Meteorological Department, the temperature in March was 2.7 degrees Celsius higher than the normal temperature. March is one of the most important months for wheat. Grains fill out fully then. But sudden heat accelerated stalk growth. This left grains small and weak.

At the beginning of April trouble came. Unexpected rains and hailstorms also destroyed crops spread over 210000 acres. The fields now bear evident damage from the battering. Even farmers doubt that they can achieve 30 to 35 maunds per acre. Climate changes expose them to giant losses. Diesel prices are also increasing, to make matters worse.

The cost of harvesting is almost twice to that of the previous year. Farmers are waiting anxiously at the uncertainty of the price of wheat in the market. South Punjab is a provider of 70 percent of the wheat in the province. Fresh food security concerns emerge due to crop hits. The weather hassles jeopardize uniform supplies.

Already, increasing heat and storms increase the cost of farming. The damage to the fields exacerbates the existing troubles. Farmers are finding it hard to survive. The farmers require immediate government assistance. They demand immediate surveys of crops to verify the damage and provide assistance. Many are afraid of wipeouts without assistance.

Climate change regularly impacts farms. There were floods and droughts in the past seasons. This combination of heat, rain and hail are new and brutal. Scientists are calling out to improved weather instruments and hardy seeds. The government also considers insurance plans. These measures will be to protect future harvests.

Pakistan relies on wheat for daily bread. Lower output could hike flour and roti prices nationwide. Families brace for rises. Authorities promise fast action. Surveys start soon in hit areas. Aid packages target affected growers right away.