Abad Khan struggles as climate change impacts plant business

Abad Khan, a 35-year-old plant seller in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is facing a crisis as his saplings are dying due to the adverse effects of climate change. Unaware of the phenomenon, Abad Khan has been in the plant business since 2014, but the recent rise in temperatures, drought, and salinity have severely impacted his sales during the spring season.

The increase in prices of saplings, along with the rise in temperature and salinity in districts along the River Kabul, has led to a significant decrease in demand for conventional and ornamental plants. Other plant sellers in the region have also reported low sales, attributing it to environmental factors like salinity and fluctuating rainfall patterns.

Gulzar Rehman, a former Conservator of Forests in KP, highlighted the economic losses caused by salinity in soil and groundwater, affecting farmers and plant growers. He emphasized the importance of afforestation and improved soil management techniques to mitigate the impact of salinity and deforestation in the region.

To address these challenges, the KP government plans to plant over 12 million saplings in various regions during the spring season. The initiative aims to combat climate change effects and promote afforestation in flood-prone areas.

Despite the hardships faced by plant sellers like Abad Khan, efforts are being made to tackle the environmental issues affecting agriculture and plant businesses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Through sustainable practices and afforestation initiatives, the region aims to build resilience against climate change and ensure a greener future for its inhabitants.