October 22, 2004

Pakistan Sets Wheat Output at 20.2 Million Tons

Wheat production in Pakistan is set at 20.2 million tons this year against 19.70 million tons in the last fiscal. This is despite the climatic stresses during the grain filling period, according to Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan, the federal minister for food and agriculture.

The targeted area for wheat is 8.29 million hectares. The minister said wheat was backbone of the economy and it was the most essential commodity for national food security.

He added that concerted efforts of wheat scientists had contributed greatly to enhance and sustain wheat production. He called upon the agricultural scientists to prepare a well-thought plan to face the obvious challenges in future.

To meet the food demands of the increasing population in the country, the link between research extension and farmers is also very crucial, he stated.