December 20, 2011

Pakistani wheat production to reach 23 million tonnes

Pakistan is expected to produce 23 million tonnes of wheat against the set target of 25 million tonnes in 2011 across the country.

Pakistan Agriculture Forum Chairman Muhammad Ibrahim Mughal said that wheat sowing target was approximately 22.3 million acre while 1.8 million acres was less cultivated. He attributed the apprehension of less production of wheat to delay in wheat sowing, cultivation on less land and minimum use of fertilisers.

He also said that at present they have 5.5 million tonnes of wheat in stock, out of which three million tonnes would be utilised till the arrival of new crop while remaining 2.5 million tonnes would be used next year.

Mugal also added that if the government reviews its agriculture policy then we would be able to produce three million tonnes of surplus wheat which could be exported. He demanded the government to immediately overcome the artificial fertiliser shortage, ensure the provision of irrigation water, proper use of pesticides besides making timely arrangement of wheat procurement.