The Economy of Pakistan
Agriculture, Water and the Indus
Farming depends on the Indus river irrigation system, the world's largest, and water stress threatens yields.
The Indus is Pakistan’s lifeline.
Irrigation
Canals from the Indus and its tributaries water most farmland.
Crops
Wheat, cotton, rice and sugar are major crops, and livestock and dairy are also large.
Water treaty
The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 shares the river system with India, and India put it in abeyance in 2025, raising tensions.
Stress
Climate change, inefficient irrigation and groundwater depletion pose risks.
A canal season
Farmers wait for water releases to sow their crops.
Assuming Pakistan is short of water only because of neighbours
Inefficiency also matters.
Key takeaways
- The Indus irrigates most farmland.
- Wheat and cotton are key crops.
- The 1960 treaty governs sharing.
- Water stress is growing.
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