The poultry sector is an important pillar in Pakistan's agricultural economy, which plays an important role in ensuring food security and providing employment to millions of people. However, Pakistan is among the countries in the world most affected by climate change, and these changes are creating serious challenges for the poultry industry.
Rising temperatures, water scarcity, and increased risk of disease spread are issues that need to be addressed. In this situation, urgent steps are needed to keep the poultry sector alive and develop it. The first and most important impact of climate change on poultry production in Pakistan is manifest in the form of heat stress.
Chickens are affected by rising temperatures across the country. Heat waves in recent years, such as in Karachi in June 2015 when temperatures exceeded 45 degrees Celsius, have caused up to 20 percent bird mortality in some poultry farms. The effects are devastating: food shortages, slow growth rates, low egg-laying rates, and, in severe cases, large numbers of bird deaths.
Water scarcity has also become a serious problem due to climate change. Increasing incidence of drought, especially in areas like Tharparkar, has made water supply difficult for poultry farmers. Lack of water not only affects the health of the birds but also affects the cleanliness of poultry farms, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. Poultry diseases are also increasing in Pakistan due to climate change. A hot and humid environment creates favorable conditions for germs to spread.
Farmers in Punjab have seen an increase in Newcastle disease and other diseases during the summer months, causing economic losses to farmers. Climate change is also causing problems in the food supply. Important crops like maize and soybean, which are the main part of poultry feed, are affected by the uncertainty of the weather conditions. In 2022, unexpected rains damaged the maize crop, creating a shortage of poultry feed. Most of Pakistan's poultry farms operate on a small scale, which is the most affected by the effects of climate change.
These farmers are often unable to invest in modern technology due to a lack of resources and suffer heavy losses due to weather conditions or diseases. These losses reduce their income and often force them to take loans. Women, especially in rural areas, play an important role in poultry maintenance. The impacts of climate change increase the workload on women, and the reduction in household income has a direct impact on women's financial independence and household food security.
A few specific strategies can be applied in the poultry industry to address these challenges. Heat stress can be reduced with measures such as improved ventilation and cooling technologies. Major poultry farms in Punjab have already adopted the "tunnel ventilation" system, which has reduced bird mortality during heat waves. Methods like rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation can be adopted to conserve water, especially in water-scarce areas.
Some farmers in Tharparkar have started using rainwater harvesting systems, which has improved water supply. Improved biosecurity and the implementation of widespread vaccination programs are essential to combat the growing threat of diseases. Improvements in biosecurity, sanitation of equipment, and monitoring for early signs of disease can play an important role in preventing the spread of disease.
The role of government is very important to protect the poultry sector from climate change. The government should encourage innovative technologies and water-saving projects and invest in research and development to deal with climate change in poultry farms. The impact of climate change on poultry production in Pakistan is serious, but these issues can be addressed through appropriate strategies. Measures such as improved housing, water conservation, disease control, and breeding of poultry breeds adapted to climate change can make the industry safer. This is not only important for the country's food security but also for the lives of millions of people who depend on this industry.
0 Comments