Pakistan has announced an ambitious goal to increase Kharif crop production by 25 percent as part of a comprehensive strategy to revamp its agriculture sector and enhance food security. This initiative was outlined during a high-level meeting led by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, alongside Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Shah Kirmani. The session aimed to assess the current agricultural landscape and formulate a transformative plan.
The Federal Minister underscored agriculture’s critical role as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, with nearly 60 percent of the population engaged directly or indirectly in this sector. Despite abundant land resources, he acknowledged that Pakistan’s productivity has lagged behind regional competitors such as India.
Wheat was identified as the foremost priority crop, with targets to boost per-acre yields by 33 to 40 percent through the use of certified, high-quality seeds. The meeting also addressed the stagnation in cultivated land area, which has hovered around 22 million acres over the past decade.
Cotton production was highlighted as a significant structural challenge due to outdated seed technology, climate change effects, and pest infestations, all contributing to declining yields. In response, the Federal Minister called for the launch of a National Cotton Seed Program, the introduction of modern biotechnologies including genetically modified seeds, and enhanced federal research coordination to rejuvenate this vital sector.
The issue of edible oil was also emphasized as a major economic concern, ranking as the country’s second-largest import after petroleum. Currently, Pakistan depends on imports for approximately 80 percent of its edible oil needs. To reduce this dependency, the Minister advocated for increased domestic cultivation of oilseed crops like canola and the expansion of olive farming, noting the latter’s strong export potential in global markets.
Climate-related risks to maize production, such as storm damage, were discussed, with recommendations to introduce short-stature hybrid varieties to mitigate these threats. Additionally, the meeting highlighted problems of overproduction in certain crops like potatoes, which have led to price collapses, underscoring the necessity for improved planning, crop diversification, and alignment with market demand.
Emerging crops such as castor oil plant, olive, turmeric, and other oilseeds were also considered, given their suitability for marginal lands and rising international demand.
In a significant development, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain pointed out that ongoing regional conflicts have heightened global food security concerns. While Pakistan is comparatively better positioned, it remains vulnerable, particularly in fertilizer production due to current gas shortages, which are expected to ease soon.
The Minister outlined the government’s vision for a “second agricultural revolution,” driven by the adoption of modern technologies, mechanization, improved seed quality, and enhanced post-harvest management. Proposed measures include crop zoning aligned with market demand, subsidies to promote priority crops, and stronger coordination between federal and provincial authorities.
In closing, Rana Tanveer Hussain urged all provinces, experts, and stakeholders to submit detailed, actionable recommendations focusing on key areas such as wheat, cotton, and oilseeds. He assured full federal support, including financial and technical assistance, for all viable initiatives aimed at transforming Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
