Pakistan has been ranked the 14th most water-scarce country in the world, according to a new research report that warns immediate policy implementation is essential to avert a deepening crisis. The report, titled “Sustainable Agriculture in Pakistan: Can Pakistan Meet Its Future Food Requirements?”, was released by Ampic Strategies and argues that agricultural challenges stem not only from climate change but also from decades of weak governance, policy failures and unsustainable farming practices.
Agriculture's Role in the Economy
Agriculture remains the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, contributing around 24 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and providing employment to more than 37 percent of the labour force. The sector sustains the food and livelihoods of over 240 million people, making its resilience critical to national development.
Water Scarcity and Stress
Pakistan’s agricultural system is under mounting pressure due to rapidly declining water availability. Per capita renewable freshwater resources have fallen dramatically from approximately 5,260 cubic metres in 1951 to below 1,000 cubic metres today, placing the country in the category of severe water stress. With nearly 90 percent of agricultural production dependent on the Indus Basin irrigation system, increasing pressure on limited water resources poses a significant challenge to future food production.
Beyond Climate Change: Policy Failures
The researchers caution that attributing the crisis solely to climate change presents an incomplete picture. They argue that inefficient irrigation infrastructure, deteriorating soil fertility, excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, continuous monocropping and poor implementation of agricultural policies have collectively weakened the sector’s ability to withstand environmental shocks.
Climate Impacts and Farmer Pressures
Rising temperatures, erratic monsoon rainfall, prolonged droughts and recurring floods are reducing crop productivity across the country. At the same time, farmers face increasing pest infestations and growing financial pressures, further undermining agricultural output and rural livelihoods. Unsustainable cultivation methods, including excessive irrigation and repeated monocropping, are degrading soil quality, reducing long-term crop yields and causing wider environmental damage.
Existing Policies and Recommendations
Rather than proposing new legislation, the report calls for stronger enforcement of existing national frameworks, including the National Climate Change Policy, the National Food Security Policy, the Recharge Pakistan programme and the Green Taxonomy framework. It argues that these policies already provide a comprehensive roadmap but have delivered limited results because of weak implementation. Key recommendations include adoption of modern water-efficient irrigation systems, restoration of degraded agricultural land, expansion of advisory and extension services for farmers, development of climate-smart financial support mechanisms and stronger collaboration between government institutions, universities and the private sector. The report also stresses the need for greater investment in agricultural extension services to improve farmers’ access to technology, research and technical guidance.
Expert Warning
Lead researcher Aziz Ahmed said the future of Pakistan’s agriculture would be determined not only by changing weather patterns but by the policy decisions taken today. He warned that with food, water and climate security challenges becoming increasingly interconnected, promoting sustainable agriculture has become essential not only for economic growth but also for Pakistan’s national security and long-term survival.
