Wheat output rises 4.6% to 29.6 million tonnes, rice grows 2.8% to 10 million tonnes, sugarcane 6.2% to 89.5 million tonnes; livestock grows 3.75%; cotton falls to 7.1 million bales and maize declines 2.7% to 8.8 million tonnes

By News Desk

Pakistan’s agriculture sector recorded provisional growth of 2.9% during fiscal year 2025-26, improving from 1.53% last year, according to data released by the National Accounts Committee.

The committee, chaired by Secretary of Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, approved provisional economic growth figures based on data for the first three quarters of the fiscal year.

According to the Planning Ministry, growth in the agriculture sector was supported by higher production of wheat, rice and sugarcane, although cotton and maize output declined during the year.

Important crops posted overall growth of 0.7% amid mixed production trends across major commodities.

Wheat production increased to 29.6 million tonnes from 28.4 million tonnes last year, recording growth of 4.6%.

Rice production rose 2.8% to 10 million tonnes compared to 9.7 million tonnes in the previous fiscal year.

Sugarcane recorded growth of 6.2%, with production increasing to 89.5 million tonnes from 84.2 million tonnes last year.

However, cotton production declined 0.5% to 7.1 million bales, while maize output fell 2.7% to 8.8 million tonnes compared to 9.1 million tonnes last year.

The ministry said the “other crops” category expanded 2.43% despite a high base effect from last year’s 19.74% growth, supported by increased production of gram, potato, mangoes, bananas, turmeric and chilies.

Livestock growth stood at 3.75% compared to 3% last year, supported by an increase in output despite lower green fodder availability.

Forestry and fishing sectors also recorded positive growth during the fiscal year, according to the ministry.

The National Accounts Committee also approved provisional overall economic growth of 3.7% for FY26, below the official target of 4.2%.

According to the Planning Ministry, the size of Pakistan’s economy stood at ₨126.9 trillion, equivalent to $452.1 billion, during the fiscal year.

Published Date: May 14, 2026