hyber Pakhtunkhwa is reeling from the devastation caused by unexpected rains during the wheat harvest.

The rains, attributed to the growing menace of climate change, unleashed a wave of devastation upon the crops, leaving many farmers in despair and the region’s food security hanging by a thread. The urgency to devise robust strategies to combat the far-reaching consequences of climate change has never been greater.

“The unexpected rainfall during the wheat harvest has created significant challenges for the farmers, who lack the resources to compensate for their losses,” says Muhammad Iqbal from Swabi. He says the untimely rain not only disrupted the harvest but also had detrimental effects on the quality and market value of the yield.

Iqbal says a rainfall following the harvest increases the moisture content of the grain, leading to sprouting. This causes the grain to germinate within the ear, resulting in a reduction in both quality and market value. The sprouted grains are less desirable for consumption and are not suitable for milling into flour or other wheat-based products.

The consequences of sprouting have a significant economic impact on farmers. Wheat, is a major cash crop in the region and crucial for the livelihoods of many farmers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The reduced market value of the grain translate into financial losses for the farmers.

Iqbal’s statement highlights the distress and frustration experienced by farmers who are unable to mitigate the effects of unexpected rainfall during harvesting.

The rains this year are a reminder of the vulnerability of agriculture to climate change. With changing weather patterns and more frequent extreme events, farmers face increasing uncertainty and risk in crop production. Both the government and the stakeholders need to recognise these challenges and develop strategies to support farmers in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

In April 2023, a report by the Global Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS) of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) had identified Pakistan as one of the countries expected to face heavy rainfall. The report predicted excessive rainfall and warned that it could have adverse effects on seasonal crops, necessitating government intervention and implementation of new strategies to raise awareness among farmers.

Dr Sadaf Bashir, an assistant professor at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women’s University, Peshawar, and an expert in environment and climate change, emphasises the gravity of the situation. She says heavy rains and hailstorms in various parts of the country have exacerbated the food security crisis. A shortage of essential grains can lead to increased food imports, soaring prices and exacerbated hunger and malnutrition. Wheat, the primary staple food for a large portion of the population, has been significantly impacted, particularly during the final stages (from March to May).

Dr Bashir stresses the importance of investing in climate-smart agricultural practices. This includes adopting high-yield crops, implementing effective soil and manure management techniques, efficient water management, water conservation methods, capacity building for local communities and establishing an agricultural information system for farmers. These measures are crucial for enhancing land resilience and productivity in the face of climate change.

The repercussions of rains during the wheat harvest extend beyond storage and grain quality. Farmers and their families experience psychological distress as they witness their hard work being washed away. Akbar Hayat Khan from Mardan says the uncertainty gives farmers sleepless nights during the harvest season. Rains not only degrade grain quality but also render the bran moist, thereby degrading the animal feed.

Heavy rains can lead to lodging, where wheat stalks bend or fall onto moist soil. This makes it challenging for farmers to efficiently harvest their crops, resulting in further production losses. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s Monthly Climate Summary, April 2023 witnessed above-average rainfall (+12.5 percent over the previous year).

Professor Dr Khan Bahadur, a former vice-chancellor of Agricultural University Peshawar, says the changing rainfall patterns can have a huge impact on Pakistan. Despite Pakistan contributing less than 0.1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, it ranks among the 10 countries most affected by climate change. He says rainfall on harvested crops not only decreases wheat production but also results in the degradation of wheat flour quality, rendering bread made from such grains unappetising.

The Global Climate Risk Index 2020 report emphasises Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change. The country has now become the fifth most affected nation in the world. This is a significant concern, considering that at least 24 percent of the population is below the poverty line.

The production of wheat in Pakistan is estimated to be 25-30 million tonnes, which is close to the consumption level. The average production per hectare stands at 3.3 tonnes, highlighting the importance of maintaining a steady supply to meet the population’s food requirements.

Dr Bahadur’s statement underscores the urgent need for Pakistan to address the consequences of climate change. Despite its minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, the country suffers disproportionately from its effects. The increasing frequency of heavy rains during critical agricultural periods exacerbates the challenges faced by farmers and jeopardises food security.

To mitigate these risks, Pakistan must prioritise implementing climate-resilient strategies and sustainable agricultural practices. This includes investing in infrastructure for water management, promoting efficient irrigation techniques, adopting climate-smart crop varieties and strengthening disaster management systems. Additionally, raising awareness among farmers about climate change and its implications will enable them to make informed decisions and adapt their farming practices accordingly.

Addressing climate change is not the responsibility only of high-emissions nations. It is a collective global effort. Pakistan, as one of the countries most affected by climate change, must advocate for international collaboration, knowledge-sharing and financial support to mitigate its adverse effects on agriculture and ensure the well-being of its population.

Despite the challenges posed by early rainfall, there is a silver lining. The replenishment of groundwater reserves and increased soil moisture levels in KP offer an opportunity for farmers to cultivate secondary crops such as pulses, vegetables and fodder. Diversifying income sources beyond a single crop can help reduce dependence and enhance the resilience of farmers, says Professor Dr Azeem Shah of the Food and Agriculture Department.

The Bureau of Statistics reported a 57 percent decline in wheat production in 2022 compared to the previous year and attributed it to unexpected rains and floods. The data for the current year will be compiled by the end of July.

The government should prioritise addressing the plight of farmers whose crops have been devastated or affected by the unanticipated rains. Climate change is a real crisis that demands immediate attention and should be treated as a global tragedy. A national strategy must be formulated not only to tackle food insecurity but also to uplift the farming community.

The writer is a freelance journalist