By Sardar Khan Niazi

Pakistan’s agriculture has fallen victim to a natural disaster. The floods have ruined the fields that have been he backbone of the national economy. This disaster was not just a surge of water; it stripped the soil of its fertility, buried seeds, and left the fields barren. As the waters recede, the reality appears more difficult than ever: sand-covered lands, diseased animals, destroyed homes, and impoverished farmers create a grim picture of an impending crisis. According to the latest figures, nearly 1.3 million acres of farmland stand submerged, resulting in an estimated 15 to 20 percent decline in overall crop production. Cotton is affected, with some regions expected to experience a 35 to 40 percent reduction in yield. Rice and other cultivated crops have also suffered extensive losses. Overall, the economy incurred an initial setback of around 409 billion rupees (approximately 1.4 billion USD). The implications are clear: reduced domestic output will increase reliance on imports, strain foreign exchange reserves, and drive food prices even higher. Beyond the numbers, there is a deeper concern regarding the interruption of supply chains, the displacement of farm labor, and the erosion of farmer confidence. All these factors slow down recovery and make each subsequent planting season harder to initiate. The damage to livestock is also severe. Reports indicate that about 5,500 animals have been lost so far, while nearly 516,000 livestock had to be evacuated to safe areas. The destruction of fodder crops has made feeding the remaining animals extremely difficult. Since livestock provide milk, meat, and a steady income for rural households, these losses will adversely affect local livelihoods and the nationwide production of dairy and meat. Milk and meat output could decline by 10 to 15 percent, exacerbating food security challenges. Equally concerning is the time required for herd rebuilding, which is a slow process and cannot be achieved in a single season. Agricultural infrastructure also stands heavily impacted. Canals and watercourses breached, tube wells and water pumps destroyed or rendered unusable, and access roads and small bridges leading to farmlands have collapsed. Seed and fertilizer stocks stand damaged or lost, and farmers who had stored seeds for the next crop are empty-handed. Under such conditions, mounting debt burdens and unaffordable electricity bills have left farmers feeling powerless. Without immediate debt relief and concessions on power tariffs, the process of agricultural recovery will face serious obstacles. Human and animal health risks are also on the rise. Stagnant water is fueling the spread of epidemics. In rural areas, cases of dengue, malaria, and cholera are increasing, while livestock are suffering from hemorrhagic septicemia and other infectious diseases. Sick farmers and diseased animals pose major barriers to recovery; without a healthy workforce and resilient livestock, neither crop rehabilitation nor economic revival is possible. All these factors highlight that the damages caused by the floods have struck every dimension of agriculture, livestock, food security, and the economy. The solution does not lie in temporary relief but in a long-term, comprehensive, and effective policy: land rehabilitation, timely provision of seeds and fertilizers, livestock recovery and vaccination, rapid fodder production programs, restoration of agricultural infrastructure, and relief in farmers’ debts and power bills. These measures are indispensable. Pakistan must acknowledge that floods are quickly becoming a climatic norm. Unless urgent attention is given to improved water management, strengthening of dams and embankments, modern agricultural research, quality seed development, effective climate forecasting systems, and veterinary services, every new flood will continue to weaken our agriculture and economy. The path ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but with resilience, planning, and investment in climate-smart practices, Pakistan can transform this recurring trial into an opportunity to build a stronger and more secure agricultural future.