Climatic conditions: CropLife Pakistan voices concern over crop losses in Punjab

CropLife Pakistan Association has claimed that based on field visits and the study of weather data, it is evident that an exceptional shift in climatic conditions at a critical phase (pollination) of the crop has impacted the yields of cotton, maize and rice crop across the province.
This assessment is consistent with the consensus amongst experts across the country, said a statement issued by the Association here on Tuesday. It further said that they are deeply concerned about the cotton, maize and rice crop losses in certain parts of Punjab. Initial assessments suggest that the phenomenon is indiscriminate, irrespective of seed varieties used by farmer.
According to statement issued to media, CropLife said that they fully understand the challenge faced by hardworking farmers and remain committed to serve them. CropLife said that the member companies have very stringent quality control regime in place that ensures the highest levels of seed germination and genetic purity. Each hybrid introduced to Pakistani farmers goes through rigorous in-house adaptability trials and Government of Pakistan's National Uniform Yield Trials (NUYT) before they are approved for commercial cultivation.
The impact of climate change is a stark realty in present times and requires due attention of all stakeholders. "At CropLife we take this challenge very seriously and our members are dedicating their research efforts to bringing about innovations to secure food supplies and sustainable agriculture in the country. Going forward we will look to work closely with the relevant government departments and research institutes to better understand some of these emerging challenges", CropLife stated.
"In the meantime, our member companies are reaching out to farmers to provide guidance. We assure the farming communities that we will uphold our business values and continue provide quality products and services to increase their overall productivity and also meet the future food and feed demands of our country" the Association assured.