Punjab is bracing for a potential agricultural crisis as the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a stark warning about looming drought conditions triggered by a sharp decline in rainfall. The alert, circulated to regional commissioners, deputy commissioners, and key departments, underscores the growing risk to the province’s vital Rabi season crops and rice production, a cornerstone of the local economy.
The Meteorological Department’s data paints a grim picture: winter rainfall has plummeted by 38% across Punjab, with southern districts like Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan bearing the brunt of the shortfall. These areas, already prone to arid conditions, now face heightened drought risks that could ripple through the agricultural sector. PDMA officials caution that the reduced water availability threatens not only seasonal harvests but also rice yields, potentially inflicting severe financial strain on farmers dependent on these crops.
Irfan Ali Kathia, PDMA’s Director-General, stressed the urgency of preemptive action. “We must equip farmers with the knowledge and tools to navigate this crisis,” he said, noting that preparations are underway to address water shortages in the Thal and Cholistan regions. Local administrations have been directed to stay on high alert, while innovative outreach efforts are in motion, including a collaboration with the School Education Department to launch awareness campaigns targeting rural communities.
The PDMA’s strategy hinges on collective vigilance and practical solutions to cushion the blow of water scarcity. With Punjab’s agricultural output critical to both local livelihoods and national food security, the stakes are high. Experts warn that without timely intervention, the province could see a cascade of economic losses and heightened food insecurity. As the dry spell tightens its grip, all eyes are on how Punjab’s farmers and authorities will weather this escalating challenge.
