By: Rima Bibi MSc (Hons.) Agriculture-PBG,UAF.
The Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25 presents a sobering snapshot of the country’s agricultural challenges, with wheat—a cornerstone of national food security—bearing the brunt of a turbulent year. The agriculture sector recorded a growth of only 0.56%, far short of the 2% target, primarily due to reduced output in major crops, with wheat production experiencing a significant contraction of -8.9%.
This sharp decline is primarily attributed to erratic weather conditions, particularly prolonged drought and extreme heat, which disrupted sowing and reduced yields across key wheat-producing regions. Input costs, water shortages, and access to timely resources further compounded farmer challenges. These factors have intensified food insecurity risks in both rural and urban populations.
Despite this downturn, wheat retains its pivotal role in Pakistan’s agrarian economy. Cultivated on nearly 8.8 million hectares, wheat is the main staple crop for most households and a critical source of employment and income in Punjab, Sindh, and KP. According to the Economic Survey, the estimated wheat production for FY2024-25 stands at 25.5 million tonnes, compared to 28.2 million tonnes the previous year—marking a troubling decline that could place pressure on reserves and imports.
Several government-led interventions aim to stabilize the sector. The Kissan Card subsidy scheme, fertilizer support, and a partial GST exemption on inputs are among the measures introduced in recent budgets. However, their long-term effectiveness hinges on better water governance, access to high-yield drought-tolerant seed varieties, and adaptive climate-smart farming practices.
Encouragingly, research bodies such as PARC and provincial extension systems have intensified efforts on wheat improvement through adaptive trials, soil health programs, and irrigation modernization. Furthermore, early sowing and zero-tillage strategies are gaining traction in Punjab’s wheat zones, reducing production costs while enhancing resilience.
The Economic Survey also emphasizes the need to reform procurement and storage systems, particularly enhancing the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) to mitigate post-harvest losses and ensure stable supply chains.
Wheat’s trajectory, while currently facing headwinds, also presents opportunities for structural reform. By focusing on seed technology, efficient irrigation systems, and equitable input access, Pakistan can safeguard its wheat future and ensure national food security in the face of climate unpredictability.
As the backbone of Pakistan’s food system, wheat must remain central to all agricultural resilience planning—bridging the gap between subsistence farming and sustainable growth.
