Pakistan faces 22% water shortage for spring irrigation season

Pakistan's water availability for spring-season irrigation is projected to fall short by 22 percent, threatening agricultural output in two of the country's most productive provinces. The deficit is expected to impact Punjab and Sindh, which depend heavily on canal irrigation for crop cultivation during the rabi season.

Pakistani water management authorities have identified insufficient reservoir storage capacity and delayed completion of water infrastructure projects as primary factors behind the shortage. Officials stated that these domestic constraints have contributed significantly to the current crisis, rather than external factors.

The water shortfall comes during a critical period for Pakistan's agricultural sector, as the rabi season encompasses the cultivation of wheat and other winter crops that form a substantial portion of the country's food supply. The projected deficit may affect both yield and cultivated area unless alternative water management measures are implemented.

Authorities have disputed suggestions that the shortage is attributable to upstream developments, noting that cross-border rivers continue to flow. The government has indicated it is examining options to mitigate the impact on farmers and agricultural production across affected regions.