Setting the Stage for Wheat Production: A Look at Pakistan’s Agricultural Targets
In a significant move to bolster Pakistan’s food security, the government has set an ambitious wheat production target of 29.68 million tonnes for the 2025-26 Rabi season. Under the leadership of Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, the Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA) recently convened to review and establish production goals for upcoming crops.
Understanding Agricultural Goals
The FCA’s meeting brought together provincial agriculture ministers and senior officials, all focused on the nation’s agricultural performance. The government aims to cultivate wheat over 9.65 million hectares, while also setting production targets for other essential crops. For instance, the targets for gram, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes are set at 393, 8,916, 2,788, and 659 thousand tonnes, respectively.
Fair Support for Farmers
A key highlight of the new wheat policy is its emphasis on fair support prices for farmers. This initiative is designed not only to help them cover production costs but also to ensure they make reasonable profits. By prioritizing the welfare of farmers, the government underscores its commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in staple food crops.
In addition to supportive policies, the FCA discussed the importance of seed availability and water resources. Thankfully, the IRSA advisory committee predicts no water shortage for Punjab and Sindh during the Rabi season, with nearly 33.814 million acre-feet allocated for these provinces.
Production Projections
The meeting shed light on several other production projections as well. Provisional estimates indicate sugarcane production could hit 84.7 million tonnes, reflecting promising growth when compared to previous targets. Rice production is estimated at 9.417 million tonnes, marking an impressive 21.9% increase, while mungbean production is projected at 150.8 thousand tonnes, up by 22.9%.
Financial Backing from the State Bank
To further fuel agricultural growth, the State Bank of Pakistan has allocated a staggering agricultural credit target of Rs. 2,572 billion for fiscal year 2025, which is up 16.3% from last year’s figures. With 47 financial institutions already providing agricultural loans, farmers have more avenues for financial support than ever before.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite hurdles such as floods, climate issues, and fluctuations in global markets, the performance during this Kharif season exceeded expectations. The Minister commendably acknowledged the joint efforts of farmers and provincial departments for their resilience.
Closing remarks by Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized the government’s dedication to enhancing the agricultural sector through innovative practices, quality inputs, and effective irrigation management. Furthermore, with predictions of below-normal precipitation in late 2025, careful planning and resource management will be critical for success.
Connecting Through Agriculture
Agriculture remains the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, directly impacting rural prosperity and job creation. It’s clear that the government aims to create a sustainable agricultural environment, ensuring food security for all. If you’d like to stay updated on agriculture developments or learn more about how to get involved, visit Pro21st for resources and community connections. Together, we can foster growth and resilience in this essential sector.
