Pakistan Government Sets Ambitious Agricultural Targets for 2024-25 Season

In the upcoming agricultural season of 2024-25, the government of Pakistan has laid out ambitious targets for the cultivation of key crops to meet local demands and ensure strategic food reserves. The targets include wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane, and cotton, with specific acreage and yield goals for each crop.

Wheat cultivation is projected to cover 9.712 million acres, aiming to yield approximately 36.310 million metric tonnes. Rice cultivation targets 3.062 million acres for a production goal of 8.731 million metric tonnes. Maize is set to be grown on 1.512 million acres with an expected yield of 9.254 million tonnes, while sugarcane will cover 1.241 million acres targeting 7.667 million tonnes.

Cotton, a significant crop for Pakistan, will be cultivated on 3.118 million acres with an output target of 10.873 million bales. Additionally, minor crops like gram, potato, onion, lentil, mung bean, and mash are part of the plan, each with specific targets to enhance productivity per unit area.

The primary focus of the 2024-25 agricultural plan is to improve crop productivity, particularly for major crops such as wheat, maize, sugarcane, and cotton. Modest goals have been set for minor crops like gram, potato, onion, lentil, mung bean, mash, tomato, and chillies. The plan also emphasizes the cultivation of oilseed crops like canola, sunflower, rapeseed/mustard, and seed cotton to reduce import expenses.

To support farmers, efforts will be made to provide essential agricultural inputs such as fertilisers and improved seeds. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (NFS&R) will play a vital role in resource allocation and plan implementation. While progress has been achieved in addressing food losses since 2015, Pakistan still lacks a comprehensive policy framework in this area.

The government's agricultural targets for the 2024-25 season reflect a strategic approach to ensure food security and meet local demands. By focusing on improving crop productivity and supporting farmers with necessary resources, Pakistan aims to enhance its agricultural sector. Continued efforts in this direction are essential to achieve sustainable agricultural growth and food security in the country.