he importance of increasing wheat production for Pakistan goes beyond filling plates—it is central to securing the country’s economic stability and progress. Wheat is not just a crop; it is the lifeblood of Pakistan’s agricultural economy, a staple food, making up 60-70 percent of the total calories consumed, particularly among the poor.
Wheat feeds millions and is a symbol of the country’s self-reliance. Yet, for decades, the potential of this vital grain has been overshadowed by challenges of inconsistent yields, rising imports and an ever-growing population.
Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, contributing nearly a quarter of the GDP and employing almost 38 percent of the labour force. Wheat, the crown jewel of the agricultural sector, plays a pivotal role. Increasing its production injects vitality into rural economies, creating jobs and providing incomes for millions of farmers and labourers who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
Urbanisation and rising incomes are diversifying dietary preferences but wheat remains critical to the nation’s food security. However, the increasing reliance on volatile international markets is creating an unfavorable landscape for not just the economy but also the potential and very essence of our land.
The government has made strides to ensure sufficient wheat production through planting campaigns, subsidies and support pricing. These efforts have yielded results, with notable milestones like the 2020-21 season, when Pakistan achieved its highest-ever wheat production of 27.4 million tonnes, a significant increase of over 2 million tonnes from the previous year. Yet, challenges persist.
In 2021-22, production dipped by 1 million tones. For the current year, the Federal Committee on Agriculture has projected wheat production at 26.81 million tonnes—short of the 28.4 million tonnes target but a 1.6 percent increase over the previous year.
2024 was a record-breaking year when wheat production reached 31.4 million tonnes, marking an 11 percent increase over the previous year. This surge was driven by favourable growing conditions, increased use of certified seeds and expanded planting areas, particularly in the Punjab. Such achievements are a testament to the potential of Pakistan’s agricultural sector when supported by innovation and targeted policies.
In recent years, Pakistan’s reliance on wheat imports has strained its fragile foreign exchange reserves. With wheat consumption expected to reach a record high of 31.2 million tonnes for the 2024-25 period, boosting domestic production is critical. Encouragingly, the anticipated surge in production is forecast to limit wheat imports to just 1 million tonnes.
Global examples of countries like Russia, which transitioned from being a major wheat importer to a leading exporter, highlight the transformative potential of targeted investments in agriculture. For Pakistan, collaboration with private sector entrepreneurs and policy reforms to enhance trade flexibility and production systems can pave a similar path.
Pakistan is vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Erratic rainfall, rising temperatures and water scarcity are constant threats to the agricultural sector. These challenges can be turned into opportunities but that requires an informed and consistent approach on a national scale, along with new ideas. Can, for example, rain-fed farming be replaced by water sourced from underground in the flood-fed plains?
Imagine a Pakistan where every farmer has the tools to grow more; every family has affordable access to food; and every policymaker can breathe easy without worrying about import bills. That vision begins in the golden stalks of our wheat fields.
Paradoxically, a country that once prided itself on being self-sufficient in wheat now faces the burden of importing this staple grain. Between 2020 and 2023, unusually large volumes of wheat were imported due to tight domestic availability from below-average outputs between 2018 and 2020, stock losses from severe floods in 2022 and rising demand driven by demographic growth.
This shift is a result of a combination of natural challenges like climate change, systemic neglect, outdated farming practices and vested interests that prioritise short-term gains over long-term sustainability.
Wheat fields are more than a source of grain; they are the swaying gold. Wheat, a major cash crop, has the potential to drive rural livelihoods, boost economic activity and ensure a stable supply of food for millions.
Farmers, the backbone of wheat production, are more often than not deprived of access to modern technology, quality seeds and essential resources like water, fertilisers and financial support. Their potential remains untapped and their livelihoods at risk. The nation bears the economic and social cost of dependency on imports.
A good infrastructural development is HBL Zarai’s approach. It offers a holistic solution to the farmers of Pakistan with advisory and supportive services being available in Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Sadhoke and Burewala. The appointed agronomy experts act as advisors and offer support to the farmers working in the fields, including machines for rent on a communal basis.
They empower farmers with new farming techniques — timely procurement – market competitive pricing and weather insights and enlighten them about international framing standards. More programmes of this nature could expedite knowledge sharing and technical empowerment of the farmer on the field.
Pakistan requires policy consistency with a commitment to the mechanisation of farms, education for the farmer in modern agricultural practices and direct access to the market. Only then can wheat once again become a symbol of stability, progress and national pride.
By adopting agri-tech innovations, improving farming practices, and expanding the use of high-yield seeds, the Punjab has set a new record for the largest wheat cultivation in the country’s history. According to the Department of Agriculture, wheat has been sown on over 17.4 million acres across the Punjab, surpassing the previous record of 17.2 million acres set in 2014.
Imagine a Pakistan where every farmer has the tools to grow more; every family has affordable access to food; and every policymaker can breathe easy, not having to worry about the import bill. That vision begins in the swaying golden stalks of our wheat fields.
The writer is a communications professional and writes about technology, education and social issues. She can be reached at hadiazaid2021@gmail.com
