THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON PAKISTAN'S AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to Pakistan's agricultural economy, which is the backbone of the country's GDP and employment. Agriculture contributes approximately 21.2% to the GDP and employs 45% of the labor force, making it crucial for economic stability and poverty alleviation. However, the sector is highly vulnerable to climate-induced variability, including unpredictable rainfall, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events such as floods and droughts. These changes have led to declining crop yields, particularly in major crops like wheat, rice, and cotton, which are essential for food security and export earnings. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events exacerbates water scarcity, soil degradation, and pest outbreaks, further straining agricultural productivity. Smallholder farmers, who form the majority of the agricultural workforce, are particularly at risk due to limited access to resources and climate-resilient technologies. The paper highlights the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices, technological innovations, and robust policy frameworks to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. It emphasizes the importance of adopting climate-resilient crops, improving water management, and enhancing public awareness to ensure long-term food security and economic stability. The study also calls for increased investment in research and development to better understand the regional impacts of climate change and to develop adaptive strategies that can safeguard Pakistan's agricultural sector against future climatic uncertainties.

Keywords: Climate change, Pakistan, agriculture, crop yields, food security, sustainable practices, smallholder farmers, policy frameworks