Climate Change and Pesticide Overuse Worsen Pest Resistance in Pakistan

Pest resistance in Pakistan is becoming a national emergency. With shifting climate patterns and the reckless overuse of pesticides, insect pests are evolving faster than ever before. This silent crisis is undermining the nation’s agricultural backbone and threatening food security for millions.

At the heart of the issue lies an urgent need to adopt smarter pest management practices and strengthen research-led responses to climate-induced agricultural threats.

How Climate Change Drives Pest Resistance in Pakistan

Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and extreme weather events — all signatures of climate change — have intensified insect breeding cycles and increased pest migration across regions. According to entomological experts, these environmental shifts are making existing pest control methods ineffective.

This trend is particularly concerning for crops like wheat, cotton, and rice — staples that are essential for both local consumption and export markets. As pests become more aggressive and resistant, crop losses are escalating.

Excessive Pesticide Use and Its Consequences

Pesticide overuse is not only degrading soil and water quality but is also making insect populations immune to chemical treatments. Farmers often resort to repeated applications of the same chemical compounds, which only accelerates resistance buildup.

The misuse of these chemicals also disrupts beneficial insect populations, creating an imbalance that favors destructive pests. Additionally, pesticide residue on crops is a growing public health issue.

UAF Conference Highlights Growing Crisis

At the Third National Postgraduate Entomology Research Conference held at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), experts sounded the alarm over the growing problem of pest resistance in Pakistan.

“New diseases and resistant pest species are emerging at an alarming rate,” warned UAF Vice Chancellor Dr. Zulfiqar Ali. “We need entomologists to develop practical, research-backed solutions to secure our agricultural future.”

Alt text: Pest resistance in Pakistan intensified by climate change and pesticide overuse

Role of Entomologists in Crop Protection

Dr. Waseem Akram, Chairman of the Department of Entomology, highlighted the department’s vital research efforts in:

• Dengue surveillance and control
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs
• Biodiversity and insect population studies
• Eradication of fruit fly and mango mealybug infestations

He emphasized the role of entomologists in bridging the gap between scientific research and real-world farming practices.

Digital Pest Surveillance: A Future Solution

Dr. Kazim Ali, Project Manager at CABI-Pakistan, urged the government and academia to invest in digital pest monitoring systems. These systems can provide:

• Real-time data on pest outbreaks
• Early warnings for farmers
• Geo-mapped pest migration tracking

Digital tools can drastically reduce response time and help prevent crop loss at a national scale.

Integrated Pest Management: A Sustainable Way Forward

Experts at the UAF conference stressed the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to the rising problem of pest resistance in Pakistan.

Dr. Muhammad Sagheer elaborated on the significance of managing pests in stored grain products, stating:

“The integrated management of pests must become a core agricultural strategy nationwide. This is the only way to balance productivity with ecological responsibility.”

IPM practices include:

• Biological pest control using natural predators
• Crop rotation and mixed cropping
• Judicious pesticide use only when necessary
• Farmer education and training programs

Call to Action: Policy, Research, and Farmer Awareness

Experts concluded that battling pest resistance in Pakistan requires:

1. Policy Reforms: Introducing legislation to regulate pesticide usage and promote IPM.
2. Farmer Training: Educating farmers on identifying pest symptoms, using eco-friendly methods, and avoiding over-application of pesticides.
3. Research Grants: Allocating more funds to agricultural research institutes like UAF for breakthrough innovation in pest control.

Dr. Amir Bashir stressed the need for precision in pesticide application and warned against “blanket spraying” methods that damage the environment.

Dr. Muhammad Ahsan also highlighted the Entomology Department’s contributions to crop protection through innovative strategies focused on pest ecology and behavioral science.

Conclusion

Pakistan is at a turning point. If the nation continues down the current path of pesticide overuse and neglects the accelerating effects of climate change, its food security will be in jeopardy.

However, through science-backed interventions, digital innovation, and farmer education, the tide can be turned. By acknowledging the severity of pest resistance in Pakistan and empowering entomologists to lead, the country can safeguard its agricultural future.

Internal Links:

• Climate Impacts on Agriculture in Pakistan
• Guide to Integrated Pest Management

External DoFollow Links:

• Pakistan Entomological Society
• CABI International – Pakistan
• University of Agriculture Faisalabad