Water Scarcity in Pakistan and Its Impact on Agriculture Productivity

Water scarcity is a growing crisis in Pakistan, posing severe threats to agricultural productivity, food security, and economic stability. Pakistan is an agrarian society where more than 60% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. However, the worsening water crisis in Pakistan significantly threatens this vital sector. In this blog, we will explore the causes of water scarcity in Pakistan, its impact on agriculture, and potential solutions.

Overview of the Water Crisis in Pakistan

Pakistan faces a water shortage primarily due to inefficient water management, outdated irrigation practices, and the effects of climate change. As of 2024, the country's per capita water availability has dropped from over 5,000 cubic meters per year in 1947 to around 1,017 cubic meters. 

Pakistan's per capita water availability has significantly decreased from 5,260 cubic meters in 1951 to approximately 1,000 cubic meters in 2016. It is projected to decline further to about 860 cubic meters by 2025, marking the country's shift from being "water-stressed" to "water-scarce."

One of the leading contributors to the water crisis in Pakistan is the agricultural sector, which consumes about 90% of the country’s water resources. The country’s irrigation system, despite being one of the largest in the world, is outdated and inefficient. 60% of the water is wasted through open channels, poor canal maintenance, and unregulated groundwater extraction.

The country can only store water for 30 days, which is significantly below the recommended storage capacity of 1,000 days for countries with similar climatic conditions.

Causes of Water Scarcity in Pakistan

1. Climate Change: Pakistan’s agricultural sector is heavily dependent on monsoon rains and the melting of glaciers. However, changing precipitation patterns, increased glacial melt, and frequent droughts have led to unpredictable water supplies. These changes significantly contribute to the water shortage in Pakistan.

2. Poor Water Management: Pakistan’s water infrastructure is outdated, with significant leakages in irrigation systems and a lack of modern storage facilities. The country loses around 25-30% of its available water through seepage and inefficient irrigation methods. Without improvements in storage and water management, these losses will continue to exacerbate the crisis.

3. Over-extraction of Groundwater: Due to the lack of surface water, many farmers rely on groundwater for irrigation. However, excessive extraction without effective replenishment methods has led to the depletion of groundwater reserves, especially in provinces like Punjab and Sindh, where agriculture is concentrated. Aquifers are facing significant pressure from excessive extraction, with around 83% of groundwater being utilized for farming and various other applications. This level of extraction is especially concerning for a nation that is already experiencing water scarcity.

4. Effects of Climate Change: The runoff from melting snow and ice contributes approximately 50% to 80% of the average water flow in the Indus River basin, highlighting its vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Furthermore, in April, Pakistan experienced its highest rainfall levels since 1961, recording an increase of 164% compared to the usual amounts for that month. This significant rise underscores the fluctuations in water availability brought about by climate change.

5. Rapid Population Growth: Pakistan’s population has ballooned to over 240 million people, creating an increasing demand for water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural purposes. This growing demand has led to unsustainable water consumption, further aggravating the water shortage in Pakistan.

6. Transboundary Water Disputes: Pakistan relies heavily on rivers flowing from neighboring India. However, the country faces challenges in water sharing due to disputes over the Indus Water Treaty. Any disruptions or manipulations in water flow from India can drastically impact Pakistan’s water availability.

Impact on Agriculture Productivity

The water crisis in Pakistan has a profound impact on agriculture, the backbone of the country’s economy. Around 90% of Pakistan’s agricultural land is irrigated, making the sector highly vulnerable to water scarcity.

1. Declining Crop Yields: Inadequate water supply has led to reduced crop yields, particularly for water-intensive crops like wheat, rice, and sugarcane. Agriculture is primarily practiced through flood irrigation, which is inefficient and wastes a significant amount of water. Without sufficient irrigation, farmers struggle to maintain crop production, leading to food insecurity.

2. Shift to Water-Intensive Crops: Despite the causes of water scarcity in Pakistan, farmers continue cultivating water-intensive crops, exacerbating the crisis. About 80% of the nation's water supply is used for four primary crops—wheat, rice, sugarcane, and cotton—which together account for less than 5% of the overall GDP. These crops demand more water than what the available resources can sustain, reducing productivity and economic returns.

3. Loss of Livelihood: Agriculture employs over 40% of the labor force in Pakistan, but as water scarcity worsens, many farmers face reduced incomes and an inability to sustain their livelihoods. This has led to rural-to-urban migration as people seek alternative sources of income, adding pressure to urban resources.

4. Soil Degradation and Desertification: Insufficient water has led to soil degradation, particularly in areas where groundwater is over-extracted. Lower water tables contribute to salinization, reducing the land's fertility and productivity. This degradation threatens to turn arable land into deserts, especially in regions like Balochistan and Sindh.

5. Food Security Threats: With declining agricultural productivity, Pakistan faces increasing food insecurity. The country is already reliant on food imports, and the worsening water crisis is expected to exacerbate this dependence, making the population vulnerable to price fluctuations in global food markets.

6. Economic Impact: Agriculture contributes around 21% to Pakistan’s GDP. The water crisis in Pakistan directly affects the national economy by reducing crop production and increasing the need for imports. Additionally, decreased agricultural exports weaken the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

Potential Solutions to Address Water Scarcity

Addressing Pakistan's water scarcity requires immediate action through innovative water management practices, policy changes, and public awareness initiatives.

1. Modernizing Irrigation Techniques: Pakistan needs to transition from traditional flood irrigation to more efficient systems like drip or sprinkler irrigation. These methods significantly reduce water waste by delivering water directly to the roots of the plants, conserving up to 50-60% of water.

2. Water Harvesting and Storage: Building reservoirs and small dams can help store rainwater, ensuring a more consistent water supply during dry periods. Implementing rainwater harvesting systems in both rural and urban areas can also supplement groundwater and surface water resources.

3. Aquifer Recharge Management: Pakistan must adopt sustainable groundwater management practices to replenish its aquifers. Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) techniques, such as building recharge wells and ponds, can help restore groundwater levels, particularly in areas facing severe depletion.

4. Water-Efficient Crop Selection: Encouraging farmers to grow drought-resistant and low-water-demand crops can help mitigate the impact of water scarcity on agriculture. Switching to crops that require less water, such as millet, pulses, and oilseeds, can conserve water while maintaining agricultural productivity.

5. Water Pricing Reforms: Implementing pricing mechanisms that reflect the actual cost of water can discourage wasteful consumption and encourage more efficient use, especially in the agricultural sector. Introducing tiered pricing based on usage can promote conservation among high water users.

6. Public Awareness and Education: A nationwide campaign promoting water conservation is essential. Educating farmers about modern irrigation techniques and encouraging water-saving practices through public-private partnerships can help reduce water wastage. Moreover, school curriculums should include water conservation topics to create awareness among future generations.

Conclusion

The water crisis in Pakistan is a multifaceted challenge with severe repercussions for the country’s agriculture sector. As the causes of water scarcity in Pakistan—including climate change, poor water management, and inefficient irrigation—continue to threaten the nation’s water security, immediate and comprehensive solutions are required. By adopting modern irrigation methods, improving water storage infrastructure, and promoting sustainable farming practices, Pakistan can mitigate the impact of water shortage in Pakistan and secure a more sustainable future for its agricultural sector and overall economy.