Wheat output increases by 1.6%

Total output is estimated at 26.81m tonnes during the Rabi season 2022-23

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan’s agriculture sector is poised for significant growth in the coming year, thanks to government incentives that have successfully revived the local agriculture sector, according to the Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA).

In its latest meeting with Secretary Ministry of National Food Security and Research Zafar Hassan, the FCA was informed that the output of Rabi crops has witnessed significant growth, following incentives introduced by the government to mitigate the adverse impact of catastrophic floods and torrential rains during last monsoon season.

The high-powered committee was apprised that wheat output during the Rabi season 2022-23 increased by 1.6% compared to last year, with total output estimated at 26.81 million tonnes. Wheat crops were sown over 9.0 million hectares to fulfil local staple food requirements and to maintain strategic reserves.

Furthermore, potato production also saw a growth of 1.9% during the season, with a total production of 7.9 million tonnes. Potatoes were cultivated over 0.3 million hectares, while the tomato production for 2022-23 is estimated to be 563.6 thousand tonnes from an area of 45.7 thousand hectares. There was an increase in production of 1.2% over last year, while gram production is estimated at 313 thousand tonnes from an area of 820.6 thousand hectares.

However, due to rains and floods in July-September 2022, local onion production during Rabi 2022-23 decreased compared to last year. To overcome this shortage, duty-free imports of onion and tomatoes were also allowed, ensuring there was no shortage in the market and prices remained stable.

The FCA also discussed production targets for essential Kharif crops 2023-24 and fixed rice production targets at 9 million by sowing the crop on over 3.1 million hectares of land. Meanwhile, the FCA also fixed maize production targets at 7.6 million tonnes by bringing over 1.3 million hectares of land under maize cultivation, while the sugarcane production targets were fixed at 78.6 million tonnes by growing it on over an area of 1.2 million hectares.

Regarding the availability of agricultural inputs for Kharif crops (2023), the water availability in canals head will remain 62.74 million acres feet (MAF) as against last year, which was 43.27 MAF. At present, all provinces are receiving satisfactory supplies in the system.

The meteorological department informed the committee that slightly above normal rains are expected in the next three months (April-June 2023), particularly over the upper half of the country. Lesser rains are expected during the month of June, and the temperature may remain slightly above normal in most parts of the country. Gradual rise in temperature will accelerate snow melting in the Northern Areas. The seasonal rainfall may provide water for crops in the main rain-fed areas while lower parts of the country will remain deficient during the Kharif season.

The FCA appreciated the positive impact of the fertiliser subsidy scheme, which contributed to high yield. The representatives of Nation Fertiliser Development Company told the committee that due to local production and available stocks, the supply position of Urea will remain comfortable subject to the operationalisation of all Urea Plants at full gas pressure. DAP will also remain at satisfactory levels.

The committee expressed satisfaction over the food security situation in the country, however, emphasised the need for research and development as well as better coordination to consolidate the gains and ensure further progress of the sector.

In terms of financial support, the representative from the State Bank of Pakistan informed the FCA that allocations of institutional credit for agriculture had substantially increased to Rs1,819 billion for 2022-23, and the disbursement up to February 2023 was Rs1,073.5 billion; 59% of the overall annual target of Rs1,819 billion which is 28.5% higher than the disbursement of Rs835.3 billion made during last year.

Overall, the growth in Pakistan’s agriculture sector is a positive development that will have far-reaching impacts on the country’s economy, food security, and rural development. The government’s efforts to incentivise and support farmers are paying off, and it is hoped that this trend continues in the coming years.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 19^th, 2023.

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