Seasonal Pollution Impacts Agriculture and Research in Punjab

Every November, particulate matter envelops Punjab province. A 2023 baseline study monitored 10 livestock farms in the Lahore and Kasur districts, tracking fine particulate matter, carbon dioxide, and trace elements inside cattle sheds. Researchers also screened the air for opportunistic bacterial pathogens. The study noted that a lack of suitable resources and specialized equipment is a reason for the data gap in wildlife monitoring outside these facilities, according to Sidra Safdar, associate professor of Wildlife and Ecology at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.

The seasonal pollution crisis affects agricultural assets across the region. The lack of specialized equipment and resources at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences limits comprehensive environmental research. Furthermore, the severe air pollution contributes to public health costs for residents in Punjab.