Crops

Wheat

Wheat is a major crop in Pakistan, leading in both acreage and production. It is primarily grown as a Rabi crop in the provinces of Sindh, Punjab, NWFP, and Balochistan. In the northern regions of Balochistan, some winter wheat is cultivated on a smaller scale. Despite continuous efforts by the government, Pakistan is still unable to achieve self-sufficiency in wheat production. As a result, the country imports approximately 2 million tons of wheat annually, costing around 8 billion rupees.

Rice

The rice crop holds great significance in Pakistan, contributing greatly to export revenue, domestic employment, and rural development. As both a vital food and cash crop, rice is cultivated in the fertile regions of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan, where millions of farmers depend on it for their livelihood. Among the top varieties grown in Pakistan, Basmati is especially renowned for its distinctive flavor and quality.

Cotton

Cotton is Pakistan’s leading cash crop and ranks as the sixth-largest cotton producer globally. It also possesses the third-largest cotton spinning capacity in Asia, following China and India, with thousands of ginning and spinning units that process cotton into textile products. By improving cotton yields per acre, the lives of around 1.5 million smallholder farmers who depend on cotton can be significantly enhanced.

Sugarcane

Sugarcane serves as a crucial cash crop for Pakistan, primarily cultivated for sugar and syrup production. It is a vital income source and employment provider for the agricultural community. Additionally, it is a key raw material for industries such as sugar, chipboard, paper, chemicals, plastics, paints, fiber, insecticides, and detergents. Over time, sugarcane production in the country has seen growth.

Maize

Maize is Pakistan’s third most important cereal crop after wheat and rice. It is utilized as food, animal feed, and for industrial purposes across the globe. Maize plays a significant role in ensuring food security in many developing nations in Asia and Africa. Often referred to as “the other gold,” maize has diverse industrial uses. With high yields per acre, it supports the livelihood of many individuals. Nowadays, maize is also gaining popularity as a novelty food.

Potato

Pakistani farmers place significant value on reliable potato varieties that come from high-quality, certified seed potatoes. Potatoes are one of the country’s major and profitable crops, ranking as the fourth most important crop after wheat, rice, and maize. Known as a complete food, potatoes are rich in starch, and also provide essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins. This crop offers substantially higher yields per unit of land compared to many other crops.