December 8, 2004

Wheat Production in Pakistan May Not Hit Target

Wheat production in Pakistan is expected to fall short of the target once again this season by over 100,000 tons due to the shortage of irrigation water and non-availability of fertilisers, according to growers and sector analysts.

The federal government set a wheat production target of 22.2 million tons for the current season.

Shahid Scheik, an independent agriculture consultant in Karachi, said the country may face another drought-like situation in 2005. This would definitely affect the wheat crop and result in the country not being able to achieve the wheat production target.

The federal government is striving hard to achieve the target for which commercial banks are also providing agricultural loans to farmers on soft terms and conditions. But the shortage of irrigation water and fertiliser would have a negative impact on output.