By Azeem Ahmed Khan

Agriculture will remain a major driver of economic activity during the upcoming financial year 2026-27, supported by projected growth across crops, livestock, fisheries and forestry under the government's sustainability and export agenda.

According to the Annual Plan 2026-27 available with Wealth Pakistan, the government has set an overall agriculture growth target of 3.6% for the next fiscal year, reflecting confidence in the sector's ability to support food security, rural incomes and economic expansion.

The plan, aligned with URAAN Pakistan and the 13th Five-Year Plan, seeks to transform agriculture through higher productivity, climate resilience, digitalisation and greater participation of the private sector. It covers crops, livestock, poultry and aquaculture, while emphasising sustainable resource management and the promotion of high-value exports.

To support these objectives, Rs4.183 billion has been earmarked for the Ministry of National Food Security and Research under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for FY2026-27. The allocation will finance nine ongoing schemes and one new initiative aimed at strengthening the sector's growth momentum.

The outlook envisages growth across all major segments of agriculture. Crop production is projected to expand by 3.1%, driven by a 2.9% increase in major crops and 3.5% growth in other crops. Cotton ginning is expected to grow by 1.5%.

Livestock, which accounts for the largest share of agricultural value addition, is targeted to grow by 3.9%, while forestry and fisheries are projected to expand by 1.9% and 1.7%, respectively. These gains are expected to boost overall agriculture growth and strengthen the sector's role in the economy.

The Annual Plan also highlights the importance of research and development, evidence-based planning and increased investment in crops, livestock and aquaculture. It also calls for cluster-based development models to improve productivity and enhance export competitiveness.

Climate resilience remains a central pillar of the strategy. The government plans to integrate climate-change considerations into agricultural planning and promote sustainable farming practices to ensure long-term food and water security.

Input availability projections indicate continued support for agricultural production. Fertiliser offtake has been projected at 4.926 million tonnes on a nutrient basis, including 3.774 million tonnes of nitrogen, 1.096 million tonnes of phosphate and 57,000 tonnes of potash. Product-wise estimates show demand for 6.572 million tonnes of urea and 1.837 million tonnes of DAP.

The government projects a requirement of about 1.19 million tonnes of improved wheat seed in FY2026-27, while cotton seed availability is estimated at 34,537 tonnes against a requirement of 39,536 tonnes. Paddy seed availability is projected at 60,191 tonnes, exceeding the estimated requirement of 54,916 tonnes.

The livestock sector is expected to maintain its upward trajectory, with total meat production targeted at 6.661 million tonnes. This includes 2.720 million tonnes of beef, 873,000 tonnes of mutton and 3.069 million tonnes of poultry meat. Milk production is projected at 77,035 million litres.

Egg production is expected to reach 29,862 million numbers, while hides and skins production is projected at 22.125 million and 69.821 million, respectively. Wool production is targeted at 51,400 tonnes.

The Annual Plan underscores the government's commitment to strengthening food security, promoting exports and reducing the food-sector trade deficit through investment, innovation and sustainable agricultural development. With growth projected across multiple subsectors, agriculture is expected to remain a major contributor to economic activity in FY2026-27.

Credit: INP-WealthPk