ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has been ranked 14th among countries facing severe water scarcity, highlighting a critical threat to agriculture, food security and the national economy.

This has been stated in a research report issued by Ampic Strategies titled “Sustainable agriculture in Pakistan: can Pakistan meet its future food requirements?”

The report states that attributing Pakistan’s agricultural crisis solely to climate change is misleading, as decades of weak governance and policy failures also play a significant role. Inefficient irrigation systems, declining soil fertility, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, continuous monocropping and poor policy implementation have intensified the impacts of floods, droughts and heatwaves.

Agriculture is described as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, contributing around 24 per cent to GDP and providing employment to more than 37 per cent of the workforce. It also supports the food and livelihood needs of over 240 million people, yet the sector is currently under severe pressure.

The report notes that Pakistan’s per capita availability of renewable freshwater has been steadily declining. In 1951, per person water availability was approximately 5,260 cubic metres, but it has now dropped to below 1,000 cubic meters, indicating a severe level of water stress. Nearly 90 per cent of agriculture depends on the Indus Basin irrigation system, further increasing pressure on limited water resources.

Climate change impacts include rising temperatures, irregular monsoon patterns, prolonged droughts and recurring floods, all of which are reducing agricultural productivity. Increased pest attacks and growing financial stress on farmers are further worsening the situation.

The report adds that excessive irrigation, continuous monocropping and heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers are damaging both yields and the environment.

As a solution, the report emphasises effective implementation of existing policies rather than introducing new legislation. These include the National Climate Change Policy, National Food Security Policy, Recharge Pakistan Programme and Green Taxonomy Framework, which already exist but suffer from weak enforcement.

Recommendations include modern irrigation systems, land restoration, advisory services for farmers, climate-smart financial facilities and stronger collaboration between government, universities and the private sector. The report also calls for increased investment in agricultural extension services to provide farmers with better technology and guidance.

Published in Dawn, June 29th, 2026