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. Besides wheat production targets were established for other essential crops: gram (419.4 thousand tons), potatoes (6.83 million tons), onions (2.55 million tons), tomatoes (658.7 thousand tons), & chilies (56.8 thousand tons), reflecting a focus on crop diversification.
Sugarcane production is projected to hit 85.5 million tons, with a 4.3% increase in cultivated area & an 11.5% rise in output. Similarly, rice production has grown to an estimated 9.079 million tons, covering 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.
- Sugarcane production for 2024-2025 is expected 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.
- Certified seed availability for Rabi 2024-25 is expected to be sufficient, with urea & DAP fertilizer supplies anticipated to stay stable.
- 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. Seed supply for Rabi crops appears adequate, while urea & DAP fertilizers are expected to be 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.
