USDA warns of wheat crisis in Pakistan, 1.7m tons may be imported

April 11, 2025 (MLN): In a startling blow to Pakistan’s food security, the country may be forced to import up to 1.7 million tons of wheat as domestic production plunges, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) warned in its latest report.

The USDA forecasts Pakistan’s wheat output for 2025-26 at 27.5m metric tons — a staggering 13% drop from the record 2024-25 harvest of 31.5m tons.

The decline is primarily due to a 7% reduction in cultivation area and unusually dry weather conditions, which have persisted since October 2024, as per the press release issued today.

“Rainfall remained below average throughout the growing season, while temperatures were significantly higher than normal,” the report stated, raising concerns over long-term climate impacts and inadequate water infrastructure.

No major water reservoirs have been built in decades, and provincial disputes over irrigation water between Punjab and Sindh continue to hinder any progress.

Meanwhile, the federal government’s decision not to purchase wheat at a support price has further complicated the situation, pushing many farmers to switch to alternate crops such as rapeseed, pulses, and vegetables.

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