According to a report presented by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) before the Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, nearly 2.5 million acres (1.01 million hectares) of crops were destroyed, representing about 7.7% of the cultivated area.
In Punjab, damage included 500 acres (202 ha) of vegetables. Sindh reported 36,398 acres (14,730 ha) of date palms, 5,378 acres (2,176 ha) of onions, and 221 acres (89 ha) of chili crops. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, floods affected 1,480 acres (599 ha) of vegetables and 1,540 acres (623 ha) of orchards.
Arc GIS Story Maps estimated that 1.6 million hectares of agricultural land across Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan remained submerged. The worst-hit crops were vegetables, seasonal fruits, and orchards in these provinces.
The average water depth in fields ranged between 1.5 and 3 meters, and agricultural damage was estimated at nearly US$2.1 billion. Prolonged waterlogging and declining soil fertility are expected to delay the next sowing season.
The floods also destroyed stored grains and rural infrastructure, disrupting irrigation channels, farm-to-market roads, and storage facilities. These damages are expected to increase post-harvest losses once replanting begins. Analysts estimate that supply chain disruptions for vegetables and fruits could temporarily raise food prices in urban centers by 12–18%.
Rural labourers, dependent on seasonal harvests, face reduced employment opportunities. International institutions have stressed that the recovery of agriculture will be central to stabilizing the wider economy.
In response, provincial administrations in Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan are deploying machinery to drain fields and providing financial support, seeds, fertilizers, and tools to farmers. International agencies, including UN bodies and the World Food Programme (WFP), are also assisting recovery.
The floods underline the need for climate adaptation in agriculture, including improved drainage systems, climate-resilient seed development, and modern farming technologies. Without such measures, Pakistan's food self-sufficiency could remain at risk.
Source: Business Recorder