Pakistan’s glaciers are melting faster due to climate change, and this is having serious effects on water and agriculture. Scientific research shows that rising temperatures are causing glaciers in the northern areas, especially in the Hindu Kush, Himalaya, and Karakoram regions, to shrink. While some glaciers in the Karakoram are stable for now, most are losing ice rapidly. As the glaciers melt, they create glacial lakes, and when these lakes burst, they can cause floods that damage farmland, destroy irrigation systems, and affect people living in nearby areas.
These glaciers are the main source of water for the Indus River, which supports most of the agriculture in Pakistan. Scientists studying river systems like the Astore and Hunza sub-basins have found that the pattern of river flow is changing. In the short term, more glacier melt means more water, but in the long run, as glaciers shrink, less water will be available. This change is already affecting farmers who rely on glacier-fed irrigation systems, especially traditional systems like the ‘kuhl’ networks, which are now more vulnerable due to unpredictable water flow and flood risks.
Farmers are reporting lower crop yields and increased problems with water availability. Crops like wheat, rice, and maize, which need regular water supply, are struggling in some regions. Temperature increases and changes in rainfall are also bringing new pests and crop diseases. This situation is particularly difficult for mountain communities who depend directly on farming and livestock. The lack of reliable water and the damage caused by floods are putting their food and income at risk.
Overall, scientific evidence shows that climate change is creating serious challenges for agriculture in Pakistan by disrupting the natural glacier and river systems. Without action, these changes could lead to long-term water shortages and threaten the country’s food security. Researchers suggest that better water management, improved farming techniques, and early warning systems for floods could help reduce some of the risks caused by glacier melt.
