October 29, 2003

 

Pakistan Targets 20 Million Tons of Wheat Output For Nov'03-Apr'04
 

Pakistan plans to set a wheat output target of 20 million tons for the 2003/04 (Nov-April) crop year, looking forward to an increase of 750,000 tons from the previous year, an agriculture official said on Tuesday.

 

"We are planning to set a (wheat) production target on the higher side for the forthcoming crop," Qadir Bux Baloch, wheat commissioner at Pakistan's Agriculture Ministry, told Reuters.

 

Pakistan's wheat output remained at around 19.25 million tons during the last crop year, short of the target of 19.70 million, after dry summer winds in May slashed yields.

 

But government officials said the lower harvest would not disturb supplies in the domestic market of a little over 20 million tons as the country had carry-over stocks of more than one million tons.

 

Government officials estimate available wheat stocks in the country by October 25 at 4.4 million tons. However, lower-than-projected output forced the government to halt its wheat export programme in May.

 

Private exporters have been allowed to export wheat, but the government withdrew most of its subsidies and rebates, making foreign shipments unattractive because of high prices on the local market.

 

Baloch said availability of sufficient irrigation water during the next crop season was key to the higher output target. Also important were plans to import 770,000 tons of fertiliser in a bid to boost yields.

 

"Water supplies will not be an issue next season like we faced in the past because of heavy monsoon rains this year," he added.

 

Pakistan has experienced record monsoon rains in 2003.

 

Baloch said the ministry expected the sowing season to start on schedule from the middle of November.

 

Baloch said the estimated area under cultivation for the next wheat crop was 20 million acres (8.1 million hectares) and it was hoped yields would improve because of adequate water supplies and good quality seeds.

 

"We have targeted output of one ton from every acre," he said.

 

Another agriculture official said the ministry had proposed the government fix a minimum buying price of 365 rupees per 40 kg to lure back wheat growers next season.

 

"Even if the government fixes 330 to 340 rupees for 40 kg, then we will see a bumper harvest next year," said the official, who asked not to be named.

 

The government is likely to set a minimum support-buying price for wheat during the current week, he added.