Wheat production grows by 5.4% in 2023-24

FCA sets ambitious production goals to increase support for farmers

ISLAMABAD:

The Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA) was informed on Thursday that wheat production in Pakistan during the current season (2023–24) increased by 5.4% compared to the previous year. Chaired by Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, the FCA convened with relevant federal and provincial authorities.

For the ongoing Rabi crops season, wheat production reached an estimated 29.69 million tonnes, cultivated across 9.6 million hectares.

Tomato production stood at 627.47 thousand tonnes from 50.9 thousand hectares, with a 3.9% increase in production and a 0.3% decrease in cultivated area compared to last year. Meanwhile, potato production reached 8.1 million tonnes from 0.3 million hectares, surpassing the previous FCA target by 27.9%.

The FCA outlined production targets for essential Kharif crops in 2024–25, setting cotton production at 10.8 million bales, rice at 8.7 million tonnes, and maize at 9.3 million tonnes, among others. Regarding agricultural inputs for Kharif crops in 2024, water availability in canals is projected to be 63.61 million acres/feet, with satisfactory supplies to all provinces. Normal to slightly above-normal precipitation is expected from April to June, particularly in upper Punjab, with above-normal rainfall predicted for August and September.

Addressing the meeting, the minister highlighted the need to enhance domestic agricultural productivity and affordability, stressing the sector’s importance for sustainable economic growth and food security amidst climate challenges.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 26^th, 2024.

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