Impact of Climate Change on Seasonal Crop Productivity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan

Abstract

The major aim of this research study was to observe the impact of climate change on seasonal crop productivity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in general and in Peshawar Valley in particular. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Peshawar Valley, there are two main cropping seasons (i.e., Rabi and Kharif). Peshawar valley was selected for the sole reason that most of the agricultural activities are carried out in this region of the province. The panel data regression of the study signified effect on the Kharif and Rabi crop productions of the Peshawar Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa mainly caused by the climatic change. Under normal climatic conditions, climate variables revealed a highly positive impact on Rabi crops. Moreover, in Rabi season, a sufficient high temperature was depicted to be the source of high productivity in the Peshawar Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, the impact of climate on Kharif crop was though discovered to be negative. Furthermore, increased temperatures lead to decrease crop production due to the increased weed and pest proliferation. Similarly, due to the increase in temperature, crops got ripened in quick session that adversely caused the malnourished crops and less nutrient food. It is suggested that Climate knowledge should be disseminated among the farm level such as the change in rainfall and temperature patterns, shift in the tilling and harvesting timings. The current research is an asset to assist the concerned authorities by identifying the impact of climate on the two seasonal crops.