MUZAFFARGARH: The recent hailstorm and heavy rains have inflicted significant damage on the tomato crop in Muzaffargarh, resulting in losses exceeding 40 percent throughout the district, the agriculture department has confirmed. Local farmers such as Abdur Rehman, Suhail, and Muhammad Akram explained that tomato plants are highly vulnerable to standing water, as prolonged moisture promotes fungal infections and root decay, which ultimately devastates the crop.
They cautioned that if the rainfall persists in the coming days, it could trigger a sharp increase in tomato prices in local markets due to the reduced supply. Meanwhile, in a significant development at the national level, Pakistan is working to integrate its trade and climate policies to protect the country’s food supply chain amid rising concerns over affordability and operational efficiency.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan recently convened a meeting with Romina Khurshid Alam, the newly appointed Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, alongside representatives from Pakistan’s food supply sector. The discussions centered on creating a resilient, efficient, and sustainable food supply chain that can withstand both global and domestic challenges.
Participants highlighted that although food availability and accessibility remain relatively stable, urgent measures are needed to address issues related to affordability and supply chain efficiency to ensure long-term food security.
