Climate change and increasing temperature (Global warming) s a serious threat to Pakistan for fulfilling the needs of an increasing population with achieving sustainable food security. Climate change is badly affecting water sources and agriculture of Pakistan. Global warming is affecting the different zones of climates that are influencing the yield and growth cycle of crops in the country said Mohammad Saleem, media spokesperson and communication specialist of climate change ministry.

While talking to media he said that Pakistan is at the edge of the food security issue like other developing countries of the world with less amount of food supply as per the demand of an increasing population. Food availability is issued is fueled by the harsh periodic patterns of rain, drought, and flood in the country is exacerbating the overall agricultural productions.

He further added that a research group of the Ministry working at the Global Change Impact Study Centre (GCISC) recorded in their survey that in the coming years average increasing temperature pace will be faster than the last decade. The average increase may be more than one degree Celsius in Pakistan at the end of this century warned the GCISC studies.

The studies showed that the crop yield will be reduced to 3.4 from 12.5% in semi-arid Faisalabad and Sheikhupura 3.8 to 14.5% in arid areas like Hyderabad, Badin, Bahawalpur, and Multan. About 16% decrease is forecasted in wheat production in barani areas like Potohar region including Chakwal due to climate change at the end of this century. Rice crop is also predicted to be the target of graver effects of the global warming.

“By end of this century due to global warming 12 to 22% decline is expected in the yield of rice crop “he added while stating conclusions of the GCISC’s crop simulation models. The study models have also shown the decrease in growth and cultivation period of staple crops resulting in less production of not only rice but also wheat and other crops such as maize and vegetables.