In Pakistan, large swathes of farmland are under water. Crops and stockpiles have been washed away and many homes were destroyed. According to government spokespeople, a food crisis is looming. The rains and floods have damaged rice crops, as well as vegetables like onions and tomatoes. They also threaten wheat planting in the coming months.
Pakistan has seen the highest rainfall in at least three decades. About a third of the country is currently flooded and about 1,200 people have lost their lives. Around 40% of the labor force rely on agriculture for employment, while the sector represents about a fifth of the economy.
Food prices have jumped in Pakistan, with tomato prices surging fivefold and onions tripling since last month. Steps are being taken to import vegetables and other items from Iran and Afghanistan.
Source: bnnbloomberg.ca
Photo source: Youtube.com