Floods cause $2.1 billion losses to Pakistan’s agriculture

Widespread floods in Pakistan have devastated the country’s agriculture, destroying nearly 2.5 million acres of crops — about 7.7% of cultivated land — and causing losses estimated at USD 2.1 billion.

A report by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research presented to the Senate committee showed that Punjab suffered the most, losing vast areas of vegetables, maize, and other agri products. Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan also recorded severe crop and orchard damage.

Floodwaters submerged around 1.6 million hectares across several provinces, with water depths reaching up to 3 meters. Experts warned that prolonged flooding could delay the next planting season.

The floods also destroyed machinery and infrastructure such as irrigation channels and storage facilities, disrupting supply chains and potentially raising food prices by 12–18%.

Provincial governments, supported by UN agencies and the World Food Programme, are providing relief through field drainage, farm inputs, and financial aid. Officials stressed the need for climate-resilient policies, improved drainage, and modern farming methods to protect food security in the future.

source: brecorder.com

photo: bloomberg.com