Kunri chilli farmers struggle against extreme heat and climate shifts

Farmers in Kunri, Pakistan’s red chilli capital, are facing significant challenges due to extreme weather patterns driven by climate change. The region, which accounts for over 85% of the country’s red chilli production, is struggling with a cycle of intense heatwaves, droughts, and unpredictable monsoon seasons. These conditions, compounded by the aftermath of devastating floods in 2022, have led to scorched crops, parched soil, and declining harvest quality.

The economic impact is substantial, as the chili trade supports approximately 30,000 people, including growers, traders, and laborers. To combat rising temperatures and water shortages, many farmers are attempting to adapt by altering planting schedules—such as sowing seeds earlier in the year—and implementing new irrigation practices. However, these adaptations come with increased production costs, forcing farmers to choose between investing in expensive new methods or facing smaller, less reliable yields and potential debt.