Climate change and sugarcane production options in Pakistan: A perspective review

Abstract

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is one of Pakistan’s most important commercial crops, primarily cultivated in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. It plays a vital role in the national economy by supporting the sugar industry, rural livelihoods, and agricultural GDP. However, the sustainability of sugarcane production is increasingly threatened by changing climatic conditions. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and frequent heatwaves are adversely affecting crop physiology, water availability, and sucrose accumulation. Research indicates that sugarcane yield in Pakistan may decline by 6–10 % with each 1 °C rise in mean temperature, particularly in semi-arid regions. In addition, water scarcity, salinity build-up, and the spread of climate-favoured pests further compound yield instability. To sustain production and improve resilience, adaptive measures such as the introduction of drought- and heat-tolerant varieties, adoption of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, and optimization of sowing and harvesting times have shown considerable potential. Improved ratoon management, integrated nutrient use, and the application of climate-smart tools such as crop modelling and remote sensing are also being explored to enhance resource-use efficiency and forecast yield performance. This review synthesizes the impacts of climate variability on sugarcane cultivation in Pakistan and outlines key adaptation and mitigation strategies necessary to secure the crop’s long-term sustainability and contribution to national food and energy security.