ISLAMABAD, July 2: Pakistan’s major crops sector recorded a largely positive performance in 2025-26, with wheat, rice and sugarcane production exceeding expectations, according to the Annual Plan 2026-27 cited by Wealth Pakistan.

The improved output is significant for food security, rural incomes and agro-based industries, as wheat remains Pakistan’s staple crop, rice is a major export commodity and sugarcane supports the sugar and allied sectors.

Wheat production rose by 4.3 percent to 29.605 million tonnes in 2025-26, compared with 28.396 million tonnes a year earlier. The cultivated area also increased to 9.478 million hectares from 9.074 million hectares.

According to the Annual Plan 2026-27, wheat output came close to the official target of 29.678 million tonnes, showing stronger performance despite challenges facing the agriculture sector.

Rice also posted an encouraging result. Although the area under cultivation declined by 3.6 percent to 3.759 million hectares, production increased by 2.8 percent to 9.998 million tonnes from 9.723 million tonnes in 2024-25.

The rice crop exceeded its production target of 9.170 million tonnes, indicating improved productivity and better crop management during the year.

Sugarcane records strong growth

Sugarcane was among the strongest performers in the major crops category. Its cultivated area expanded by 2.4 percent to 1.222 million hectares, while production increased by 6.2 percent to 89.450 million tonnes.

The crop’s output rose from 84.238 million tonnes a year earlier and remained well above the official target of 80.320 million tonnes, according to the plan.

The higher sugarcane production is expected to support the sugar industry and related businesses, while stronger wheat and rice harvests are likely to help stabilize food supplies.

Maize and cotton miss targets

Maize and cotton, however, recorded weaker results during 2025-26.

Maize cultivation remained almost unchanged at 1.587 million hectares, but production fell by 2.7 percent to 8.794 million tonnes from 9.037 million tonnes in the previous year. The crop remained below its target of 9.775 million tonnes.

Cotton also continued to face pressure. The cultivated area declined by 1.5 percent to 2.012 million hectares, while production slipped slightly by 0.5 percent to 7.052 million bales from 7.084 million bales a year earlier.

Cotton output remained below the official target of 10.128 million bales, reflecting continued challenges for a crop that is central to Pakistan’s textile sector.

Despite the decline in maize and cotton, gains in wheat, rice and sugarcane helped maintain a broadly positive outlook for the country’s crop sector in 2025-26.

The comparative assessment showed that wheat and sugarcane recorded increases in both cultivated area and production, while rice achieved higher output despite reduced acreage. The trend points to improved efficiency in some major crop segments and continued resilience in Pakistan’s agriculture sector.

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