By Azeem Ahmed Khan

Pakistan brought an additional 0.67 million acres under wheat cultivation during the Rabi 2025-26 season, lifting the cultivated area to 23.19 million acres and increasing wheat production to 29.61 million metric tonnes, according to an official document of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.

The area under wheat cultivation increased from 22.52 million acres in Rabi 2024-25 to 23.19 million acres in Rabi 2025-26, while production rose from 28.39 million metric tonnes in 2025 to 29.61 million metric tonnes in 2026.

The ministry attributed the increase to timely policy measures, improved availability of certified seed and fertilizers, and better market conditions that encouraged farmers to expand wheat cultivation.

According to the document, the Interim National Wheat Policy 2025-26 was announced before the start of the Rabi season, providing positive market signals to growers. Wheat prices during the season remained in the range of Rs3,500 to Rs3,900 per 40 kilograms, significantly higher than those recorded over the previous two years.

The ministry said the improved price environment provided better returns to farmers and reflected a positive response to the government's market-oriented reforms and support measures.

Under the Interim National Wheat Policy 2025-26, the federal government deregulated the wheat sector by ending federal procurement and allowing the private sector to undertake procurement, storage, movement and trade. According to the ministry, the reforms reduced the fiscal burden, improved price transparency, ensured the free movement of wheat across the country and promoted a more competitive and sustainable wheat value chain.

A National Wheat Oversight Committee, chaired by the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research and comprising provincial and regional food and agriculture secretaries, has been established to oversee implementation of the policy. The ministry said the committee has held 13 meetings so far, including on the procurement of federal and provincial strategic wheat reserves through the private sector.

To sustain the reform process, the ministry has prepared the initial draft of the National Wheat Policy 2026-30 and shared it with provincial and regional governments for feedback. The proposed policy aims to establish a long-term framework for a competitive, transparent and market-oriented wheat sector while promoting food security, farmer welfare, efficient value chains, strategic reserve management, private-sector participation and sustainable growth.

The ministry also highlighted progress in seed availability. It said the use of certified wheat seed increased by around 37 percent during Rabi 2025-26, contributing to higher yields. Under the Prime Minister's directives, the federal government ensured uninterrupted inter-provincial movement of certified wheat seed, particularly from Punjab to other provinces, while a dedicated committee monitored seed movement throughout the season.

Fertilizer supplies also improved during the crop season. Urea offtake increased by around 27 percent in Punjab due to assured availability at affordable prices. The federal government maintained uninterrupted gas supplies to two SNGPL-based urea plants, enabling higher domestic production during peak demand periods.

At the provincial level, Sindh introduced an estimated Rs55 billion fertilizer subsidy by providing one bag of DAP and two bags of urea per acre to farmers. According to the ministry, the subsidy reduced input costs, encouraged wheat cultivation and helped the province exceed its cultivation target for the current Rabi season.

Punjab also expanded farm mechanization by providing tractors and modern agricultural equipment on interest-free or low-markup financing. The ministry said improved mechanization supported timely land preparation, sowing and crop management, contributing to higher wheat productivity.

Credit: INP-WealthPk