South Waziristan, a region in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is not widely recognised for its fertile lands and remarkable fruit production. Historically, this area produced around 88,000 tons of apples annually, fulfilling domestic needs and reaching international markets. But the increasing impacts of climate change have created new challenges for farmers as decreased production and changes in agricultural practices.

Malik Shehryar Wazir, a Wana resident and long-time owner of apple orchards, is facing severe difficulties. The water table has dropped by 40 to 50 feet, he said and added that untimely rains and hailstorms have devastated his orchards.

“In the past, our region experienced severe cold in November, which was ideal for apple production, but now the heat has disrupted the seasonal balance. On top of that, diseases have affected the orchards to such an extent that continuing horticulture has become impossible,” Wazir said.

Another farmer from the tribal region, Umar Khan shares his struggles. “Ninety-five per cent of my pomegranate orchard has been destroyed due to diseases,” he said, “water shortages and illnesses have made farming detrimental. I have reluctantly started cultivating wheat, but this change has only increased my financial difficulties.”

Khan, a polio infected farmer, went on to add that despite his disability, he has not lost hope since childhood, but the changing climate and untimely rains have “weakened” his resolve. “It feels like a natural disaster with no apparent solution.”

Data from the Agricultural Department of South Waziristan corroborated the dire situation faced by local farmers. Statistics showed that apple production has decreased by 15,000 to 20,000 tons over the past two years. Other fruits, such as peaches, plums, and pomegranates, have also been significantly affected.

“Untimely rains and hailstorms have become commonplace due to climate change, leading to diseases in fruit-bearing trees. These diseases are severely impacting production,” Anwar Khan Betni, the Agricultural Department director, said.

Betni added that the provincial government encourages farmers to cultivate fruits that are compatible with changing weather conditions, however, adverse weather remained a “major” obstacle.

While highlighting the importance of appropriate weather, Wana farmer Wazir stated that producing high-quality apples has become difficult due to hailstorms and rising temperatures. “Along with the decrease in our production, quality is also being affected, which is driving down the prices of our products in the market, leading to losses,” he stated.

To protect the agricultural economy of South Waziristan from the impacts of climate change, initiatives are being undertaken. The Agricultural Department has begun promoting olive cultivation in the region. So far, over 30,000 olive trees have been planted and wild olive grafting is under way. This initiative is yielding about 10,000 litres of oil annually, with plans to triple the production in the future.

Also, read this

High winds over Eid hit mango farms in six Sindh districts

Kalabagh youth saves 100-year old tree from being chopped down

How chocolate could counter climate change

Despite the challenges, the region’s plains and hilly areas remain suitable for agriculture. Farmers in the region require “effective and lasting solutions” to cope with the increasing impacts of climate change. By improving water supply, controlling diseases, and adopting modern agricultural techniques, the region can regain its horticultural prominence.

The struggles faced by farmers in South Waziristan are not confined to this area; they reflect the broader issue of how climate change is affecting farmers worldwide. There is an urgent need to address such challenges and take immediate action to make agriculture sustainable.