Sugarcane Cultivation in Pakistan: Climate, Regions, Yield & Farming Practices

Sugarcane is one of Pakistan’s most important commercial crops, contributing significantly to the economy through the sugar industry. As Pakistan continues to modernize its agricultural practices, sugarcane farming is evolving in response to climate, water, and technological challenges. This article offers a complete overview of sugarcane cultivation in Pakistan, including climate conditions, regional practices, production trends, and modern innovations.

Key Growing Regions and Climate

Sugarcane requires a warm and humid environment, with consistent sunlight and well-irrigated soil. Pakistan’s diverse agro-climatic zones offer varying levels of suitability.

Region	Climate Features	Notes
Punjab	Humid, high irrigation access	Highest production and yield zone
Sindh	Hot, semi-arid, long growing season	Climate stress increasing, needs drip systems
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa	Temperate to warm, limited acreage	Moderate production potential
Balochistan	Arid, limited irrigation	Marginal role in national output

Area, Yield and Production Trends

Parameter	2022–23	2023–24	Change
Area Under Cultivation	1.3 million ha	1.2 million ha	-10.5%
Total Production	88.0 million tons	87.6 million tons	-0.4%
Yield per Hectare	67.7 tons	68.0 tons	+0.3%

Pakistan remains one of the world’s top 5 producers of sugarcane, although yields remain below global benchmarks due to traditional farming methods and climate impact.

Water Usage and Irrigation Challenges

Sugarcane is highly water-intensive, using approximately 25,000 cubic meters per hectare in Punjab—twice the global average. Conventional flood irrigation causes salinity, soil erosion, and waterlogging, prompting the shift to water-efficient systems.

Irrigation Type	Water Use Reduction	Yield Increase	Adoption Status
Drip Irrigation	Up to 50–57%	Up to 34–39%	Limited, but growing
Sprinkler System	30–40%	25–30%	In pilot projects

Modern Farming Practices and Biotechnology

Sowing Practices

Time: Spring sowing (mid-February to mid-March)
Recommended Varieties: CPF-237, HSF-240, SPF-213, CP 77‑400
Sowing Density: 30,000 double-eyed or 20,000 triple-eyed seedings/acre

Soil Management

Deep tillage, compost application, and use of rotavators are recommended for root development.
Biofertilizers and balanced nutrition based on soil testing are now promoted.

Technological Innovations

June 2024: EPA approved two GM sugarcane varieties:
- CABB-IRS: Insect-resistant
- CABB-HTS: Herbicide-tolerant
Developed by the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), these are Pakistan’s first GM food crops.

Challenges Facing Sugarcane Farmers

Challenge	Impact
Water Scarcity	Reduced yields and acreage
Climate Change	Higher temperatures reduce yield potential
Input Cost Inflation	Seed, fertilizer, and water costs rising
Price Volatility	Profitability uncertainty for farmers
Policy Conflicts	Inter-provincial disputes on water allocation

Sustainability Projects and Government Initiatives

Several programs aim to modernize sugarcane cultivation:

WWF-Pakistan & Shakarganj Pilot (2022–2024): Introduced water-efficient practices and smallholder training in Punjab.
Government Support: Seed subsidies, canal development, climate-resilient agriculture, and smart irrigation systems.

Summary Table

Indicator	Value (2023–24)
Area	1.2 million hectares
Total Production	87.6 million tons
National Avg. Yield	~68 tons/ha
GM Varieties Approved	2 (CABB-IRS, CABB-HTS) – June 2024
Water Requirement (Punjab)	25,000 m³/ha (~430 m³/ton)
Drip Irrigation Efficiency	+39% yield, -57% water use

Conclusion

Sugarcane farming in Pakistan is at a crossroads. While it remains a cornerstone of the agriculture sector, the need for water conservation, climate resilience, and higher yields is urgent. Recent biotechnology approvals and smart irrigation initiatives offer hope. However, wider adoption, effective policies, and farmer support are critical to sustainable growth in the coming years. Keep visiting: Bloom Pakistan