In Pakistan, dense smog enveloping regions of northeastern and northwestern areas has recently subsided, though its aftermath continues to affect the agricultural sector. The smog, combined with smoke, significantly impacted Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, vital for the country's agriculture, leading to substantial damage to vegetable crops and potentially affecting food inflation and agricultural exports.
Nearly half of the vegetable crops in Punjab, a major contributor to Pakistan's agricultural exports, were destroyed. This has resulted in increased vegetable prices and financial losses for farmers. The smog has also hindered the growth and development of crops by affecting soil moisture uptake, shoot growth, and photosynthesis.
Furthermore, smog and climate change have severely impacted the production of key export fruits like mangoes and kinnow citrus fruit. Mango production has seen a decline over three consecutive years due to climate-related factors. Similarly, kinnow production is expected to drop by 35% this season, primarily due to the adverse effects of smog and fog. Punjab's Sargodha district, known for its citrus fruits, has seen a significant decrease in citrus exports, halving over the past five years.
Exporters have raised concerns about the aging varieties of kinnow, which have become increasingly susceptible to diseases and adverse weather conditions. The call for research and development to introduce new varieties has been emphasized to prevent further decline in exports. The smog's impact extends beyond agricultural losses, affecting farmers financially and leading to increased local prices for fruits like kinnow.
Source: AA