Islamabad: Sugarcane and rice production recorded double-digit growth against targets for the 2025-26 Kharif season, while the government reviewed the agricultural outlook and input availability for the upcoming Rabi season.
The figures were presented at the Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA) meeting for Rabi 2026-27, chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain in Islamabad on October 7.
According to the committee, sugarcane production was provisionally estimated at 97.2 million tons from 1.358 million hectares, showing increases of 18.5% in area and 21.1% in production over FCA targets.
Rice production was estimated at 10.182 million tons from 3.902 million hectares, with area increasing by 28.4% and production by 11% compared with the targets.
Maize production reached an estimated 9.97 million tons from 1.83 million hectares, reflecting a 21% increase in area and 3.2% growth in production over the FCA target.
Mungbean production was estimated at 171,020 tons, with production 14.8% above the target, while chilli crops also recorded growth in area, production and yield.
The committee also reviewed preparations for Rabi 2026-27. Certified seed availability is expected to remain satisfactory, while water availability remains a concern. The IRSA Advisory Committee projected a 22% water shortage for Punjab and Sindh, with provinces allocated 29.18 million acre-feet.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department warned of soil moisture stress due to below-normal rainfall but forecast improvement with mostly above-normal rains expected in October and November.
The State Bank of Pakistan has set an agricultural credit target of Rs3.062 trillion for FY2026. During FY26, agricultural lending institutions disbursed Rs3.2316 trillion.
The meeting also reviewed fertilizer supplies, with urea availability estimated at 3.95 million tons against anticipated offtake of 3.596 million tons. DAP availability was projected at 766,000 tons against expected demand of 838,000 tons, with private-sector imports expected to bridge the gap.
