Pakistan’s water crisis: the cost of sugarcane and rice

Pakistan is on the brink of a worsening water crisis, one that threatens its inter provincial relationship, agriculture, economy, and food security. Ranked among the most water-stressed nations in the world, it faces the alarming prospect of depleting its water resources within decades.

Yet, despite this growing threat, the country continues to cultivate water-intensive crops like sugarcane and rice, placing an unbearable strain on its dwindling supply.

Inefficient irrigation systems, unchecked groundwater extraction, and weak policies only accelerate the depletion of water, leading to soil salinity and water-logging.

Without urgent action to curb excessive water use, Pakistan risks not only environmental disaster but also economic collapse and widespread food shortages.