Increasing climate stress poses significant economic and agricultural challenges for Pakistan, threatening crop productivity, farmer incomes, and future food security. Zeeshan Baig, Country General Manager of Syngenta Pakistan, emphasized the need for a more resilient agricultural system at the Pakistan Agriculture Coalition’s Agri-Connections 2026 conference in Lahore.
Agriculture contributes 23.44 percent to Pakistan’s GDP, but key crop growth is declining, with the sector experiencing only 2.89 percent growth in FY2025-26. Baig highlighted that climate-related disruptions, particularly declining water availability and weakening soil health, are compounding pressures on agriculture. He stated, “We don’t just need more food, we need more sustainable and resilient food,” underscoring the need for sustainable agricultural productivity tied to environmental constraints. Water scarcity is a major vulnerability, as Pakistan’s agriculture heavily relies on irrigation. Baig noted that as resources dwindle, it’s essential to produce more efficiently.
Punjab, which contributes 73 percent of the country’s food, is pivotal to national food security and rural economies. Pressure on agriculture will intensify with a projected 50 percent population increase over the next 30 years. Baig argued for integrating climate resilience into agricultural decision-making, including resource management and pest protection. He pointed to laser land leveling as a practical method to enhance efficiency, potentially reducing water use by 20-30% while increasing yields by around 10%. Effective solutions can arise from improved agronomic practices and digital tools. Baig stressed the need for coordinated efforts from government, academia, and the private sector to improve farmers’ access to critical knowledge and technology.
A World Bank assessment suggests that an additional $12 billion annually in agricultural innovation and policy reforms could significantly boost food production by 2050. Strengthening agriculture against climate stress is thus crucial for safeguarding livelihoods, food security, and the overall economy.
