LAHORE – The devastating Punjab floods of 2025 have caused severe damage to Pakistan’s agricultural sector, submerging more than 2.2 million acres of farmland.
Rice crops have been the hardest hit, with losses estimated at over 1 million acres of standing production. Alongside rice, large areas of sugarcane, corn, and cotton fields across Punjab have also been damaged. Provincial reports confirm that sugarcane crops spread over 2.5 million acres faced destruction, while corn and cotton fields suffered major losses as well.
Authorities have informed the federal government about the worsening situation. Proposals are under review to provide relief by waiving irrigation fees and agricultural taxes for farmers in flood-affected districts, including Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Gujarat, and Multan.
Limited Impact in Sindh
Unlike Punjab, Sindh has experienced limited damage so far. Officials said that up to three percent of the onion crop has been affected, mainly in Kachha areas near riverbanks. Wider agricultural regions have been spared as floodwaters remained largely within river limits.
Federal Response and International Support
The federal government has decided to involve international organizations, including UN agencies, to assess the scale of damage and recovery needs. Sources confirmed that the World Bank is closely monitoring the Punjab floods and holding consultations on possible recovery plans.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal chaired a high-level meeting with the finance minister and NDMA officials. He stated that an initial loss assessment would be completed within ten days, though final figures will only be available once the floodwaters fully recede.
Highlighting the link between climate change and disasters, Iqbal warned that Pakistan remains highly vulnerable to both floods and droughts. He stressed that, as with the 2022 floods, international institutions will provide technical input to ensure accurate and transparent damage assessments.
The Punjab floods have once again raised concerns about food security and the urgent need for climate resilience in Pakistan’s agriculture.
In other news read more about Punjab Sees Over 33,000 New Disease Cases in Flood-Hit Areas in 24 Hours
