Lahore: The Federal Committee on Agriculture, operating under Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research, has outlined the production targets for key Kharif crops for the upcoming 2025-26 agricultural season.
During a meeting held on Thursday, chaired by Food Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, the committee set the rice production goal at 9.17 million tonnes, to be cultivated across 3 million hectares (approximately 7.4 million acres) nationwide.
The meeting raised concerns over soil moisture deficits, noting that the forecasted dry conditions in May could pose challenges to Kharif sowing in areas such as northern Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northern Balochistan.
The committee emphasized the need for efficient management of available water resources across all regions, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.
Additionally, the committee established cotton production targets at 10.18 million bales, to be grown on 2.2 million hectares.
The target for sugarcane production was set at 80.3 million tonnes, spread over 1.1 million hectares, while the maize target was set at 9.7 million tonnes across 1.5 million hectares.
Other crop targets, including for mung beans, mash, and chilies, were also determined.
Regarding water availability, the committee noted that canal heads would have 60.502 million acre-feet of water during the season.
Meteorological reports shared at the meeting indicated that rainfall from January to April 2025 was 39% below the average, with April seeing a 60% shortfall in rainfall, particularly affecting the southern regions of Sindh and Balochistan.
The report also mentioned that temperatures across most of the country have been higher than usual during this period. Looking ahead, above-normal rainfall is expected from May to July, except in May.
However, temperatures are expected to remain higher than usual for most parts of the country, particularly until July.
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The committee was assured that rice and maize seed availability would meet the required demand for the season.
Additionally, the State Bank of Pakistan representative informed the committee that institutional credit allocations for agriculture had significantly increased to Rs2.572 trillion for 2024-25, marking a 16% rise compared to the previous year’s disbursement of Rs2.216 trillion.
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The National Fertilizer Development Cell also reported that local urea production and existing stock levels would ensure a stable supply, while supplies of DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) fertilizer would remain satisfactory throughout the season. Story by AHemd Mukhtar.
