BY: Dr. Qudsia Nazir | Dr. Muhammad Aftab | Dr. Aneela Riaz
Introduction
Climate change has become one of the most significant challenges to global agricultural sustainability, because it plays a fundamental role in ensuring food security, sustaining rural livelihoods, and supporting economic development. However, climate change has emerged as the extreme threat to agricultural sustainability in the present century. Rising global temperature, changing rainfall patterns, increasing level of atmospheric CO2 concentration and the growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events including heat waves, floods, droughts, hailstorms and wind storms have substantially affected crop growth, productivity and the stability of food production system. In simple words, these climatic changes not only reduce crop yields but also modify soil properties, water availability, nutrient cycling and the occurrence of insect, pest, weeds and plants disease issues.
Pakistan ranks among the countries most vulnerable to climate change due to its geographical location, dependence on agriculture and limited adaptive capacity. Here (in Pakistan) agriculture contributes substantially to the national economy and supports the livelihoods of millions of people, is considered highly vulnerable to climate variability and extreme weather events. Thus, fluctuations in climatic conditions directly influence agricultural productivity, farmer’s incomes, food security and ultimately national economy. In recent years, Pakistan has experienced increasing temperatures, erratic monsoon rainfall, prolonged dry spells, glacial melting, flash floods and droughts. These climatic variations have disrupted traditional cropping calendars, reduced water availability, increase crop failures and intensified biotic and abiotic stresses among major cropping systems.
The period from August to November represents a critical phase in Pakistan’s cropping calendar. During this period, Kharif crops such as cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), maize (Zea mays L.), and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) progress through reproductive, grains filling, maturation and harvesting stages. Simultaneously, farmers begin land preparation and sowing operations for Rabi crops, particularly wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), which is Pakistan’s staple food crop. The successful management of crops during this transition period largely determines crop establishment, resource-use efficiency, yield potential, and the sustainability of subsequent production systems. Even minor deviations in temperature or rainfall during these months can substantially affect flowering, pollination, grain filling, seed germination, and final crop yields. The adoption of climate smart strategies is expected to contribute to sustainable agricultural production, enhanced resource-use efficiency, improved farmer livelihoods, and long-term national food security in the face of a changing climate.
August generally coincides with the peak monsoon season in Pakistan. Although monsoon rainfall replenishes soil moisture, excessive precipitation may result in waterlogging, restricted root respiration, increased disease (fungal or bacterial) incidence, and nutrient losses through leaching and runoff. During August the recommended management practices are: 1- Ensuring rapid drainage of excess water from cotton, rice, maize, and sugarcane fields to prevent waterlogging and root damage. 2- Timely control of weeds, whose proliferation is accelerated under warm and humid conditions. 3- Continuous monitoring of economically important insect pests, including whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), thrips, jassids, and pink bollworm in cotton, as well as stem borers and leaf folders in rice. 4- Application of balanced nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) and micronutrients fertilizers according to crop requirements and local recommendations. 5- Regular field scouting after rainfall to facilitate early diagnosis of diseases and nutrient deficiencies. 6- These practices improve crop resilience and minimize yield losses under variable climatic conditions.
During September, temperatures gradually decline and Kharif crops enter grain-filling and maturity stages, whereas preparations for wheat cultivation begin if the fields are fellow and available. The following practices are recommended.1- Timely land preparation for wheat immediately after harvesting preceding crops. 2-Incorporation of well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM), compost, or press mud at approximately 10 t ha⁻¹ to improve soil organic matter, nutrient availability, and soil physical properties. 3- Soil testing before fertilizer application to ensure balanced nutrient management based on crop demand. 4- Continued surveillance of insect pests and diseases in standing Kharif crops. 5- Irrigation scheduling according to crop growth stage and prevailing weather conditions. 6- The integrated use of organic amendments with balanced fertilizer application enhances nutrient-use efficiency, soil microbial activity, and long-term soil fertility.
October is regarded as the optimum period for wheat sowing in many wheat-growing regions of Pakistan. Timely sowing enables better germination, stronger crop establishment, and improved yield potential. The Recommended agronomic practices are as:1- Using certified, high-quality seed. 2- Treating seed with recommended fungicides before sowing to minimize seed-borne diseases. 3- Applying balanced fertilizer according to soil-test recommendations.4- Integrating organic amendments with mineral fertilizers to improve soil health and nutrient synchronization. 5-Completing sowing within the recommended planting window to maximize yield potential. 6- Integrated nutrient management improves nutrient availability while sustaining soil quality and reducing environmental degradation.
Historically, wheat sowing has been completed during November in most regions of Pakistan. However, changing climatic conditions have shifted the recommended sowing window in some production systems toward early December to accommodate variations in temperature and rainfall patterns. During early crop establishment, farmers should: 1- Apply the first irrigation at the appropriate growth stage to promote root development.2- Control weeds punctually after crop emergence.3- Monitor crops regularly during periods of frost or dense fog.4- Correct nutrient deficiencies based on field observations and expert recommendations.5- Maintain adequate soil moisture while ensuring effective drainage.6- Early crop management significantly influences stand establishment and final grain yield.
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) integrates adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable productivity enhancement. Adoption of the following practices can reduce climate-related production risks:1- Planning agricultural operations using reliable weather forecasts.2- Returning crop residues to the soil instead of burning them.3- Integrating organic amendments with balanced mineral fertilizers.4- Cultivating climate-resilient, drought-tolerant, heat-tolerant, and disease-resistant crop varieties.5- Implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.6- Applying fertilizers based on routine soil testing.
These practices contribute to improved soil health, enhanced nutrient-use efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and greater resilience to climate change.
Briefly, Climate change presents exceptional challenge to Pakistan’s agricultural sector. Nevertheless, implementation of climate-smart crop management practices, balanced nutrient management, integrated use of organic amendments, efficient irrigation management, and weather-informed agricultural planning can substantially reduce production risks while improving sustainability. Appropriate crop management during the August to November period enhances crop productivity, improves soil fertility, increases water-use efficiency, and strengthens farmers’ resilience to climatic variability. Continued dissemination of scientifically validated management practices through extension services and farmer education will play a fundamental role in achieving sustainable agricultural development and national food security.
Dr. Qudsia Nazir
Principal Scientist, Soil Chemistry Section, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, Pakistan
Dr. Muhammad Aftab
Scientific Officer, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, Pakistan
Dr. Aneela Riaz
Senior Scientist, Soil Bacteriology section, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, Pakistan
