ISLAMABAD: During the ongoing Rabi season 2023-24, wheat cultivation in Pakistan has surpassed the set targets, covering more than 22.73 million acres of land in various crop-growing regions.
The cultivation targets for the current season were fixed at 22.22 million acres, and the achieved sowing area represents 102.67% of the set targets, according to Food Security Commissioner Imtiaz Ali Gopang.
The wheat sowing has gained momentum across the country’s key wheat-producing areas, with Punjab Province leading the way. Punjab has completed wheat sowing over 103.09% of the set areas, covering 16.48 million acres compared to the fixed targets of 15.99 million acres.
Sindh Province has achieved 106.66% of its sowing targets, with wheat cultivation completed over 3.16 million acres against the set targets of 2.97 million acres. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, wheat sowing targets were met by 100%, with cultivation completed over 1.93 million acres, matching the set targets for the current season.
Balochistan Province has also achieved 100% of its wheat sowing targets, cultivating over 1.93 million acres compared to the assigned task of 1.33 million acres.
Food Security Commissioner Gopang highlighted that approximately 729,000 metric tons of high-quality certified wheat seeds would be available for local farming communities during the current season, covering over 46% of the total local demand. The government is implementing various strategies, including ensuring the supply of essential agricultural inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, and access to finance, to achieve the fixed targets for the season.
This positive development in wheat cultivation contributes to meeting staple food requirements and maintaining strategic reserves for the nation throughout the year.
