ISLAMABAD: Contrary to the estimates of provincial governments, the Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA) has proposed the Wheat production target at 33.58 million tons to meet the national requirement of one year.
The committee met under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer for Rabi Season (2024-25).
The performance of the Kharif Crops (2024-25) and Production Plan for Rabi Crops (2024-25) was discussed during the meeting.
The meeting was informed that Sugarcane production for 2024-25 is provisionally estimated at 85.5 million tons from an area of 1.193 million hectares. The data is suggesting a growth of 4.3% and 11.5% in area and production respectively from the targets. The rice production for next season was estimated at 9.079 million tons. It is showing a growth of 18.5% in area 4.0% in production from the targets.
The Federal Govt proposed the Wheat production target at 33.58 million tons from the target area of 10.368 million hectares to meet the national requirement. Contrary to the estimate of the Federal Government, the provincial governments came up with lower targets of production.
The provincial governments presented their data about the wheat production. They estimated the the wheat sewing area to be remained 9.263 million hectares. The wheat will be produced around 27.92 million tons during the next season.
The committee asked the provinces to make utmost efforts to achieve the sowing and production targets to cater the wheat requirement of the country. The committee has set the production targets for Gram, Potato, Onion Tomato and Chillies for next season.
The FCA has also discussed about the seed availability for Rabi Crops. The meeting was apprised about the availability of certified seed for the Rabi, 2024-25 will remain satisfactory level.
The IRSA Advisory Committee has also briefed the FCA about the water availability. They anticipated shortage of water to the extent of about 16% for Punjab & Sindh in the Rabi season.
The Metrological Department also briefed the FCA about weather condition for the next agricultural season in the country. The representative told the meeting that normal to below normal precipitation is expected in most parts of the country. The rain is expected to remind slightly above normal rains in Sindh, southern parts of Punjab and Baluchistan. The officials informed that near to normal rains are expected in October and December in the country.
The committee was apprised that stabilize food security situation in the country.