Islamabad (GNP) :- A meeting of the Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA), mandated to oversee strategic measures for ensuring food security in the country, was held under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, representatives of Provincial Agriculture Departments, State Bank of Pakistan, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited, National Fertilizer Development Center, Pakistan Meteorological Department, Pakistan Oilseed Department, Department of Plant Protection, National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority, Indus River System Authority, and Pakistan Agricultural Research Council.
Federal Minister stated that achieving food security requires a clear focus on improving domestic agricultural productivity, particularly by increasing per-acre yields. While noting that food availability in Pakistan is generally adequate, he observed that affordability remains a key challenge, especially for low-income groups. He highlighted that the Interim National Wheat Policy 2025–26, approved by the Federal Cabinet on November 19, 2025, is being implemented across the country to support the farmer community and encourage private sector investment in the wheat sector value chain. He reiterated that the Federal Government will support farmers with all possible means in the prevailing economic conditions.
The Minister observed that Pakistan has strong potential in crops, livestock, and fisheries, but long-term growth depends on how efficiently these resources are utilized. He emphasized the need for adopting modern farming technologies, climate-smart practices, and developing efficient marketing systems to connect farmers with domestic and international markets, while also underscoring the importance of open and trade facilitation policies.
He further informed that under the Prime Minister’s Economic Transformation Agenda, the Ministry, in collaboration with Provincial Governments and the Green Pakistan Initiative, has developed an Agriculture Sector Roadmap focusing on mechanization, seed system reforms, cotton revival, value addition, improved access to finance, and export growth. He added that the establishment of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority will play a crucial role in harmonizing food safety standards, improving quality assurance, and enhancing the competitiveness of Pakistan’s agricultural exports in international markets.
Reviewing the performance of Rabi crops (2025–26), the Committee was informed that wheat production is estimated at 29,310 thousand tons from an area of 9,385 thousand hectares. Onion production is estimated at 2,701.78 thousand tons from an area of 163.75 thousand hectares, reflecting a slight decrease in area and production compared to last year. Tomato production is estimated at 555.72 thousand tons from an area of 41.99 thousand hectares, showing a decrease in production of 11.9% due to a decrease in area of 12.1% compared to last year. Potato production is estimated at 12,171.0 thousand tons from an area of 466.56 thousand hectares, indicating an increase in production of 23.2% over the last year. Gram production is estimated at 262.03 thousand tons from an area of 782.24 thousand hectares, registering an increase in production of 52.4% over the last year. The Committee noted that the current government has prioritized agriculture to boost the country’s economy and uplift the livelihood of the people.
The Committee deliberated on production targets for essential Kharif crops (2026–27) and decided to fix a target of 9.17 million tons for rice over 3.39 million hectares and 9.77 million tons for maize over 1.5 million hectares. The production target for sugarcane was fixed at 80.3 million tons over an area of 1.14 million hectares, while cotton production was fixed at 9.64 million bales over an area of 2.16 million hectares. Targets for other crops such as mung, mash, and chilies were also fixed.
Discussing the availability of agricultural inputs for Kharif crops (2026), the Committee was informed that water availability at canal heads will remain 67.451 million acre-feet (MAF) during the Kharif season. The Pakistan Meteorological Department informed that above-average precipitation during March till the first decadal of April has improved the situation to some extent over most parts of the country; however, due to drier conditions in previous months, soil moisture, especially in major agricultural plains, remains under stress. It was further noted that expected rains in April and May, along with rising temperatures in northern areas, may improve water availability in major reservoirs. However, isolated heavy showers, hailstorms, and windstorms may disrupt harvesting activities of Rabi crops, particularly in upper and central parts of the country. The Committee emphasized the need for judicious use of available water, especially in the lower half of the country.
The Committee was informed that the availability of rice and maize seed will remain sufficient as per requirement. The Chief, National Fertilizer Development Center, informed that due to local production and available stocks, the supply position of urea will remain comfortable. The representative of the State Bank of Pakistan informed that the expected allocation of institutional credit for agriculture has increased to Rs. 3,062 billion in FY-26, which is 19 percent higher than last year’s disbursement of Rs. 2,577 billion.
In conclusion, the Committee expressed satisfaction over the food security situation in the country and emphasized the need for enhanced research and development, as well as improved coordination among stakeholders, to consolidate gains and ensure further progress in the agriculture sector.
