Pakistan projects over 29mt wheat production

April 14, 2026 (MLN):  Wheat production for the Rabi 2025–26 season has been estimated at 29.31 million metric tons (mt), cultivated over 9.39 million hectares across key wheat-growing regions of the country.

The Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA)  meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, reviewed the performance of Rabi crops and finalized production targets for the upcoming Kharif season, APP reported.

For other Rabi crops, onion production is estimated at 2,701.78 thousand tons from 163.75 thousand hectares, showing a slight decline in both area and output compared to last year.

Tomato production is projected at 555.72 thousand tons from 41.99 thousand hectares, reflecting an 11.9% decrease in output due to a 12.1% reduction in cultivated area.

In contrast, potato production is estimated at 12,171.0 thousand tons from 466.56 thousand hectares, registering a 23.2% increase over last year. Gram production stands at 262.03 thousand tons from 782.24 thousand hectares, marking a significant increase of 52.4%.

During the meeting, the committee also set key Kharif 2026–27 production targets. Rice output has been fixed at 9.17 million tons from 3.39 million hectares, while maize production is targeted at 9.77 million tons from 1.5 million hectares.

Sugarcane production has been set at 80.3 million tons over 1.14 million hectares, and cotton output is targeted at 9.64 million bales from 2.16 million hectares. Targets were also finalized for other crops, including mung, mash, and chilies.

The FCA was informed that water availability at canal heads during the Kharif season will remain at 67.451 million acre-feet (MAF). The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported above-average rainfall from March to early April, which improved conditions in some areas; however, soil moisture in major agricultural plains remains under stress due to earlier dry spells.

Expected rainfall in April and May, along with rising temperatures in northern regions, may improve reservoir levels, though isolated heavy rains, hailstorms, and windstorms could disrupt Rabi crop harvesting in upper and central regions. The committee stressed the need for careful and efficient water use, particularly in the lower parts of the country.

Officials also confirmed that rice and maize seed availability will remain sufficient, while the National Fertilizer Development Center reported a comfortable urea supply position due to local production and existing stocks.

The State Bank of Pakistan informed the committee that institutional agricultural credit allocation for FY-26 has risen to Rs. 3,062 billion, a 19% increase compared to Rs. 2,577 billion disbursed last year.

Addressing the meeting, the minister said that ensuring food security requires a strong focus on improving per-acre yields and boosting domestic productivity. He noted that while food availability is generally adequate, affordability remains a major concern for low-income groups.

He highlighted that the Interim National Wheat Policy 2025–26 is being implemented nationwide to support farmers and attract private sector investment in the wheat value chain.

He also emphasized the need for modern farming techniques, climate-smart agriculture, and improved marketing systems to better connect farmers with domestic and international markets.

The minister further stated that under the Prime Minister’s Economic Transformation Agenda, a comprehensive agriculture roadmap has been developed in collaboration with provincial governments and the Green Pakistan Initiative.

It focuses on mechanization, seed reforms, cotton revival, value addition, improved access to finance, and export growth. He added that the planned establishment of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority will help standardize food safety regulations, improve quality assurance, and enhance the competitiveness of agricultural exports.

The committee expressed satisfaction over the country’s food security situation and called for strengthened research and development, along with better coordination among stakeholders, to sustain progress in the agriculture sector.

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