wheat production increases by 5.4% for the 2023-24 season
Published on: May 4, 2024.
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The Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA) revealed that wheat production in Pakistan for the current season (2023-24) has seen a 5.4% increase compared to the previous year. The FCA, chaired by Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, called for a meeting with federal and provincial authorities to discuss this matter.
During the ongoing Rabi crops season, wheat production reached an estimated 29.69 million tonnes, cultivated across 9.6 million hectares. This is an important milestone for the agricultural industry in Pakistan.
In addition to wheat, the production of tomatoes also witnessed growth. With a 3.9% increase in production and a 0.3% decrease in cultivated area compared to last year, tomato production stood at 627.47 thousand tonnes from 50.9 thousand hectares. The potato production sector also saw a significant increase, surpassing the previous FCA target by 27.9%. The production reached 8.1 million tonnes from 0.3 million hectares.
The FCA has also outlined production targets for essential Kharif crops for the upcoming year 2024-25. These targets include cotton production at 10.8 million bales, rice at 8.7 million tonnes, and maize at 9.3 million tonnes, among others. Efforts are being made to ensure optimal agricultural productivity and meet the demands of the growing population.
Water availability is projected to be 63.61 million acres/feet for the Kharif crops in 2024, ensuring satisfactory supplies to all provinces. Furthermore, normal to slightly above-normal precipitation is expected from April to June, with the upper Punjab region experiencing above-normal rainfall in August and September. These predictions are essential for farmers to plan their agricultural activities accordingly.
Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized the significance of enhancing domestic agricultural productivity and affordability. He stressed the importance of the sector for sustainable economic growth and food security, particularly in the face of climate challenges.
In conclusion, the agricultural sector in Pakistan is witnessing positive growth in wheat, tomato, and potato production. The FCA’s outlined production targets for Kharif crops in 2024-25 aim to further boost the agricultural industry. With proper planning and implementation, Pakistan can ensure a sustainable and secure food supply for its population.
Source: [The Express Tribune](https://tribune.com.pk){:target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”}
