Punjab, the breadbasket of Pakistan, is once again bearing the brunt of devastating floods that have severely disrupted the province's agricultural economy. Torrential rains and hill torrents have flooded thousands of acres of fertile land, destroying standing crops and causing immense losses to farmers and the provincial economy.
Economic survey of Pakistan reported that Agriculture contributes nearly 23.5% to Pakistan’s GDP, and Punjab alone produces the majority of wheat, rice, cotton, and sugarcane. With fields submerged under water, the province faces an acute threat to both food security and rural livelihoods. The floods have washed away major crops, including cotton and maize, while standing rice and sugarcane fields remain vulnerable to waterlogging and pest attacks in the coming weeks. According to initial estimates by the Punjab Agriculture Department, more than 1.5 million acres of cultivated land have been damaged, resulting in billions of rupees in economic losses. “The destruction of cotton alone poses a major threat to Pakistan’s textile industry, which contributes nearly 60% of national exports,” said an official from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.
Beyond crop damage, the floods have disrupted the entire agricultural value chain. Stored grain, fodder for livestock, and seed reserves have been lost in large quantities. Rural infrastructure, including farm-to-market roads and irrigation channels, has also been damaged, delaying supply chains and inflating the cost of basic commodities. Livestock, an equally vital component of Punjab’s rural economy, has suffered losses due to drowning, disease, and fodder shortages.
The economic shock is being felt across the province. Farmers are already grappling with rising input costs and climate-related uncertainties. Experts warn that cotton shortages could hit the country’s textile exports, the largest source of foreign exchange, while food inflation is likely to rise due to shortfalls in staple crops.
In response, the provincial government has announced emergency relief and compensation packages. Agricultural experts are focusing on the need for long-term resilience strategies. Investments in flood-resistant infrastructure, climate-smart farming techniques, and better early-warning systems are being highlighted as critical to prevent recurring losses.
Punjab’s recurring battle with floods has once again underscored the urgent link between climate change and economic stability. Without immediate action, the costs will continue to rise, not just for farmers, but for the entire economy.
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