Pakistan's Thriving Agricultural Sector: A Bright Outlook for the 2023-24 Rabi Season
The major contributor to this target is Punjab, expected to produce 25 million tonnes of wheat. Other provinces are also gearing up, with Sindh aiming for 4 million tonnes, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa targeting 1.6 million tonnes, and Balochistan setting a goal of 1.5 million tonnes. This impressive goal is slated to be achieved from a total cultivation area of 8.9 million hectares.
Karobar
Islamabad 10/16/2023:In a bold move, Pakistan is setting the stage for an exciting agricultural season ahead, with an ambitious target for wheat production in the upcoming 2023-24 rabi season. This impressive goal is just the tip of the iceberg, as the nation's farming communities gear up for a year of growth and prosperity.
The Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA) has unveiled an audacious plan to produce a staggering 32.12 million tonnes of wheat. This represents a significant 12.20% increase from the previous year's 28.2 million tonnes, promising bountiful yields and a promising future for the nation's agriculture.
The heartland of Punjab is poised to lead the way with a projected production of 25 million tonnes of wheat. Sindh follows with a target of 4 million tonnes, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sets its sights on 1.6 million tonnes, and Balochistan aims for 1.5 million tonnes. These impressive numbers will be achieved from a total cultivation area of 8.9 million hectares.
The FCA meeting, chaired by Minister for National Food Security and Research Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik, didn't stop at wheat. The committee also addressed production targets for other rabi crops. Expect exciting yields from mung beans, mash, and chillies, showcasing innovation and growth in Pakistan's agriculture sector.
The FCA committee discussed seed availability, ensuring that certified seeds are accessible. Moreover, the supply of urea and DAP (diammonium phosphate) is expected to remain stable, providing farmers with the necessary resources for a successful season.
Managing Challenges:
While a 15% water shortage is anticipated for Punjab and Sindh during the rabi season, the prevailing weather conditions are supportive. This collaborative approach ensures that the challenges are met with resilience.
The government is actively working to support farmers by providing inputs at affordable prices and ensuring better prices for their produce, bridging the gap between the cost of production and output prices.
In alignment with the government's agricultural promotion agenda, the State Bank has set an annual indicative agricultural credit disbursement target of Rs2,250 billion for 2023-24. This represents a significant 26.7% increase from the previous year, reflecting the nation's commitment to agriculture.
Kharif crop reviews for 2023 show remarkable progress, with a staggering 126.6% increase in cotton production and a substantial boost in rice production. This growth signifies the thriving spirit of Pakistan's agricultural sector.
With Pakistan setting ambitious targets and implementing supportive measures, the 2023-24 rabi season promises to be a thriving period for agriculture. As the nation unites to achieve these goals, the future of Pakistan's agricultural sector appears incredibly promising, paving the way for prosperity and growth.
