The devastating floods of 2025 have hit Pakistan’s agricultural economy hard, submerging more than 2.2 million acres of farmland in Punjab.The rice crop has suffered the most, with losses estimated at over 1 million acres of standing production.Provincial authorities reported that the floods caused extensive damage to rice, sugarcane, corn, and cotton across Punjab. Standing sugarcane crops spread over 2.5 million acres were damaged, while corn and cotton fields also faced destruction.

Sources said that the federal government has been informed of the worsening situation, with proposals under consideration to waive taxes and irrigation fees for farmers in disaster-hit districts including Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Gujarat, and Multan.Unlike Punjab, the impact in Sindh has so far been contained. Up to three percent of the onion crop has been damaged, but floodwaters have remained largely within river limits. Only the Kachha areas have been affected, sparing the wider agricultural belt.

The federal government has decided to involve international organisations, including UN agencies, to help assess the scale of damage and identify recovery needs. Sources confirmed that the World Bank is closely monitoring the situation and conducting consultations on possible recovery measures.Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who chaired a high-level meeting with the finance minister and NDMA officials, said an initial assessment of losses will be completed within ten days.

He emphasized that final figures would only be possible once floodwaters fully recede.Iqbal underscored that natural disasters like floods and droughts are direct impacts of climate change, warning that Pakistan remains highly vulnerable. He also noted that, similar to the 2022 disaster, international institutions will provide input to ensure accurate and transparent damage assessments.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)