August 4, 2022
2 mins read

Heavy rains damage crops, supply chain in Pakistan

The Pakistani Meteorological Department has now warned that the country is expected to receive “above-normal” rains this month…reports Mahua Venkatesh

The Shehbaz Sharif government in Pakistan, which is already battling several economic challenges, has an added worry. The torrential rains in Pakistan after extreme heatwaves have damaged vast swathes of crops which include wheat and cotton. The rains have not only damaged crops but supply chain too has been hit as many roads and highways remained submerged under water, causing delay in transportation. This is likely to push food prices in the country further.

Already domestic inflation in July stood at a record 24.9 per cent.

The Pakistani Meteorological Department has now warned that the country is expected to receive “above-normal” rains this month.

According to New York based humanitarian information portal Relief Web, Pakistan has already received 60 per cent of total normal monsoon rainfall in just three weeks since the start of the monsoon season.

Heavy rains have resulted in urban and flash floods, landslides, and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) across Pakistan, particularly affecting Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh Provinces, it said.

Along with heavy rains, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, extreme weather conditions and the overall economic health of the country are directly impacting food security in the South Asian nation.

The country’s foreign exchange reserves at less than $9 billion at $8,575.16 million have also limited its room for expanding food imports. The annual food imports bill touched an all time high of $9 billion in 2021-22.

“Though the current coalition government has little to do with the situation, it may be tough for Shehbaz Sharif and his team to explain the status to the people,” an analyst told India Narrative.

In 2021-22, Pakistan’s sugar import bill touched $191.7 million. It imported 312,393MT of sugar in 2021-22 compared to 281,328MT, which cost $128.6 million. Tea imports had also risen. However, the government in a bid to reduce the imports of this beverage, has urged its citizens to consume less tea.

The government is hoping to get a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund but the delay in releasing the funds is only adding to the problems.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

ALSO READ: Pakistan’s inflation climbs to 24.9% in July

Previous Story

AAP backs Alva for Vice President

Next Story

China launches military drills around Taiwan

Latest from -Top News

Visa Interview Pause Nearing End, Says US

India is the source country for the largest group of international students in the US and Bruce’s comments will be closely followed there….reports Asian Lite News The United States said the pause

White House: Israel OKs Gaza Truce

Hamas said Thursday that its leadership had received a new Gaza ceasefire proposal from Witkoff through the mediators and was studying it…reports Asian Lite News The White House said that Israel has

No Talks Till Terror Ends: India to Pakistan

The MEA’s strong response came at a time when Pakistan, pushed on the backfoot by India’s decisive Operation Sindoor, has suddenly started talking about its intent on having peace talks with India….reports

BNP ramps up poll demand

Chief Adviser Yunus had earlier promised elections in December 2025, but the timeline has since been pushed back first to February 2026 and then to June 2026, fuelling suspicion and dissatisfaction among

Saudi backs India’s strategic outreach

In a series of engagements, the Indian delegation met Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State Adel Al-Jubeir and other senior officials. A high-profile Indian all-party parliamentary delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay
Go toTop

Don't Miss

India, Pakistan exchange lists of civilian prisoners

India has shared lists of 343 civilian prisoners and 74

Pakistan battles Monkeypox spread with fifth case in KP

The resurgence of mpox in KP and its provincial capital