Crop losses

Balochistan has faced extreme weather conditions this year as a result of climate change. Moderate to severe drought-like conditions were followed by heavy rainfall — nearly 500% greater than the past 30-year average. These unprecedented showers coupled with the rapidly melting glaciers led to severe flash floods that devastated the region. The UN’s Rapid Needs Assessment Report on Balochistan states that this year’s rains and floods have damaged 117,400 acres or 43% of crops and vegetables and around 35,000 acres or 30% of orchards in 10 surveyed areas.

This is symbolic on many levels as orchids are anciently known to represent fertility, beauty, strength and charm — all that has been ravaged by these extreme weather events. Apart from that, essential crops such as onions, tomatoes, cotton, maize, pulses and more have been negatively impacted. To make matter even worse, significant damage was noticed to farm-to-market roads. The entire ordeal will result in food shortages and further increase food security in already vulnerable regions of Balochistan. However, the government claims that the matter is under control as enough reserves are available to last till the next yield. It has also been promised that incentives will be given to farmers to minimise losses and encourage new crop growth. If implementation is successful, these measures will indeed help curb the immediate consequences of crop loss. But funds will be required to rebuild transport infrastructure, otherwise distribution will be difficult and prices will surge even further. In order to manage prices of essential food items and to reduce dependence on imports, officials must have a clear plan on how to regulate the supply of reserve crops. Hoardings of any sort must be dealt with severely.

These floods have become a yearly business. Therefore, the rebuilding phase will require the establishment of resilient systems and protective measures to curb losses. While local governments work on short-term mechanisms, the federal government must work towards developing a long-term strategy.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 24^th, 2022.

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