On World Soil Day, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) published an assessment warning that soils across Pakistan generally suffer from low fertility and widespread nutrient deficiencies. The analysis highlights a combination of long-standing and emerging pressures that are degrading soil health and undermining agricultural productivity.
Key findings include alarmingly low levels of soil organic matter in much of the country. Low organic matter weakens soil structure, reduces water-holding capacity, and diminishes the soil’s ability to store and cycle nutrients. As of 2022 Pakistan had roughly 36 million hectares of agricultural land: about 30.2 million hectares of arable land, 5 million hectares of permanent meadows and pastures, and 0.72 million hectares of permanent crops. Forest area is approximately 2.5 million hectares.
Soils across many regions are predominantly alkaline, and salinity and sodicity are widespread—particularly in irrigated areas. Erosion, pollution and waterlogging are frequently reported, and intensive cropping systems have accelerated nutrient depletion in many farming areas. These combined stresses threaten crop yields and long-term land productivity.
The FAO urges a comprehensive national soil policy to set a clear framework for soil governance at national and provincial levels. Recommendations include introducing new laws or amending existing legislation to close gaps on issues such as overgrazing, mining impacts, urban expansion, and climate-driven degradation. The assessment calls for stronger soil protection rules, clearer allocation of responsibilities among government bodies and non‑state actors, and tightened enforcement mechanisms.
Formal interagency coordination is another priority. The FAO recommends establishing regular, structured collaboration among relevant ministries and agencies so policies and enforcement actions are coherent and mutually reinforcing. Provincial agencies, the report notes, often lack sufficient capacity and resources to apply rules consistently, especially in remote areas, while weak penalty enforcement reduces deterrence against illegal activities like logging or uncontrolled pollution.
Several land-use and management drivers were highlighted. Intensive farming practices, heavy use of chemical fertilizers, and inadequate soil-restoring measures have left many fields depleted; Punjab—responsible for around 70 percent of the country’s agricultural output—shows especially high fertilizer dependence. Deforestation and overgrazing have exacerbated erosion and organic matter loss, though reforestation efforts have seen localized progress. In some regions, uncertain land tenure discourages farmers from making long-term investments in sustainable soil management.
Industrial pollution and inadequate monitoring further compound the problem. Agencies frequently lack specialized staff and technical capacity to detect, follow up on, and remediate soil contamination from industrial sources. Limited extension services and knowledge gaps among farmers mean sustainable practices are not widely adopted.
The FAO’s review assessed existing soil-related strategies and legal frameworks and offered targeted recommendations to close policy gaps, strengthen implementation and monitoring, and build institutional capacity. Effective action will require coordinated national leadership, stronger provincial enforcement, expanded technical extension, and incentives for farmers to rebuild soil organic matter and adopt regenerative practices.
Restoring and protecting Pakistan’s soils is essential for food security, climate resilience and rural livelihoods. The FAO’s assessment provides a roadmap for policymakers and stakeholders to begin reversing trends of degradation and to safeguard the land for future generations.
