The Federal Committee of Agriculture has set an ambitious wheat production target of 33.58 million tons for the Rabi season. Covering 10.368 million hectares, to push for self-sufficiency. However, provincial projections are lower, aiming for 27.92 million tons from 9.263 million hectares. Which could impact wheat availability in the coming year.
In a recent FCA meeting led by Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research Rana Tanveer Hussain. The committee reviewed the performance of Kharif crops & set goals for Rabi crops. The authorities established wheat production targets alongside targets for other essential crops: gram (419.4 thousand tons), potatoes (6.83 million tons), onions (2.55 million tons), tomatoes (658.7 thousand tons), and chilies (56.8 thousand tons), reflecting a focus on crop diversification.
Experts project sugarcane production will reach 85.5 million tons, with a 4.3% increase in cultivated area and an 11.5% rise in output. Similarly, authorities have grown rice production to an estimated 9.079 million tons.3.63 million hectares, marking an 18.5% expansion in area.
Key Points About Wheat:
- The FCA has set a wheat production target of 33.58 million tons for the Rabi 2024-2025 season. Over 10.368 million hectares.
- Provinces have proposed a reduced target of 27.92 million tons from 9.263 million hectares, raising wheat sufficiency concerns.
- Additional crop targets include gram, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, & chilies, underscoring crop variety.
- Authorities expect sugarcane production for 2024-2025 to reach 85.5 million tons. Marking a 4.3% area increase & an 11.5% boost in output.
- Rice production has surged to an estimated 9.079 million tons, with an 18.5% rise in area.
- IRSA forecasts a 16% water shortage for Punjab & Sindh, necessitating careful water management.
- Authorities expect sufficient certified seed availability for Rabi 2024-25, and they anticipate stable urea and DAP fertilizer supplies.
- The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicts below-normal rainfall across most regions, affecting water resources & crop planning.
The FCA meeting also addressed potential water shortages, with the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) estimating a 16% deficit for Punjab & Sindh. The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts below-normal rainfall in many regions, which could challenge water resource management for agriculture. Authorities appear to have an adequate seed supply for Rabi crops, while they expect urea and DAP fertilizers to remain stable.
This strategic meeting included representatives from provincial agriculture departments, the State Bank of Pakistan, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd, the National Fertiliser Development Centre, & others, aiming to meet Pakistan’s agricultural targets while facing resource & climate challenges. The FCA’s approach reflects a commitment to bolstering Pakistan’s food security for the Rabi season 2024-2025.
This focus on targeted crop production & resource management reaffirms the government’s commitment to sustainable agriculture & food security amidst fluctuating weather patterns & water limitations.
