The peach crop in the Swat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which produces 80% of Pakistan's peaches, has suffered irreparable damage due to climate change and heavy rainfall. The region's crops have been affected by floods in previous years, and this year, stormy rainfall and hail have further devastated the crop.
Landowners report that the peach fruit is ready for harvest, but is unfortunately inedible due to its small size and poor taste. The scarcity of peaches in the market has led to extremely high prices, making it difficult for consumers to purchase.
The impact of climate change on agriculture in Swat is a growing concern, and urgent action is needed to support farmers and preserve the region's crops. Swat peaches, renowned for their sweetness and flavour, are a favourite among Pakistanis, particularly those with sugar issues. However, this year's production has seen a significant decline due to climate change and stormy rainfall.
In previous years, Swat produced an impressive 400,000 kilograms of peaches, but this year's yield has fallen short. The region's 15,000 acres of peach orchards typically produce thousands of tons of fruit, with over a dozen varieties grown in the area. The most popular varieties, numbered one to eight, are in high demand.
The decline in peach production has raised concerns among farmers and consumers alike, highlighting the need for urgent action to address the impact of climate change on agriculture in Swat.
Abdul Baseer, a 45-year-old seasoned peach farmer, tells The Friday Times–NayaDaur that peach farmers in Swat are struggling due to high production costs and low income. This year's heavy rainfall and hail have significantly reduced peach production, affecting the fruit's taste and size. Abdul Baseer laments that after 30 years of cultivation, farmers are now facing losses due to high expenses and low income. He criticises the government for not providing any relief package or support to the farmers, who are bearing additional costs from their own pockets.
Environmental expert Akbar Zeb tells TFT-ND that the government needs to take immediate action to preserve the cultivation of peaches in Swat. If not, Pakistan risks losing peaches forever, depriving the public of this beloved fruit. Climate change, as defined by the United Nations, is a long-term alteration in temperature and weather patterns. Human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation have led to a surge in greenhouse gases, causing a global average temperature rise.
Higher average temperatures can accelerate the growth cycle of peach trees, potentially leading to premature flowering and increased vulnerability to late frosts, which can damage buds and reduce yield. Additionally, irregular precipitation and prolonged droughts stress the trees, affecting their overall health and productivity. Excessive rainfall and flooding, on the other hand, can lead to root rot and other diseases, further compromising the peach crop. These climatic changes disrupt the delicate balance needed for optimal peach growth, resulting in smaller, less flavorful fruit, and significantly lower yields.
The biology of peach trees is intricately linked to climatic conditions, making them particularly sensitive to climate change. Peaches require a specific number of chilling hours—periods of cold temperatures during dormancy—to ensure proper bud development and flowering. Warmer winters can reduce these chilling hours, leading to poor bud break and uneven fruit ripening. Furthermore, extreme heat during the growing season can cause sunburn on the fruit and leaves, hinder photosynthesis, and reduce the tree's ability to produce and store energy. These biological stresses not only decrease the current year's harvest but can also impact the tree's health and productivity in subsequent seasons.
The consequences of climate change are far-reaching, including intense weather events, rising sea levels, and melting of polar and mountain ice. Pakistan is the seventh most affected country by climate change, with 139 natural disasters occurring in the past 20 years. Urgent action is needed to support farmers and preserve the region's crops.