Islamabad: The Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA) convened its 27th meeting to review the performance of Kharif crops and lay the groundwork for the upcoming Rabi season. Chaired by Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, the meeting brought together representatives from provincial agriculture departments, financial institutions, and other key stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting highlighted significant increases in the production of several Kharif crops, including sugarcane, rice, maize, mungbean, and chillies. Sugarcane production for 2025-26 was estimated at 97.2 million tons, marking an 18.5% increase in area and 21.1% in production over the targets set by the FCA. Rice production also saw an 11% rise, while maize production increased by 3.2%. The committee also discussed the anticipated 22% water shortage for Punjab and Sindh and the measures needed to ensure optimal water use for Rabi crops.

The meeting emphasized the need for affordable inputs and fair pricing for farmers, with the government committing to introduce illustrative wheat prices. The newly established National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority aims to boost food safety and export competitiveness. Additionally, the State Bank of Pakistan has allocated an agricultural credit target of Rs. 3,062 billion for FY 2026, a 19% increase from the previous year, to enhance financial support for farmers.

The meeting concluded with a focus on finalizing crop targets for the Rabi season, contingent on the announcement of wheat prices, and ensuring adequate seed availability. The FCA underscored the importance of coordinated efforts among federal and provincial authorities, research institutions, and farmers to enhance productivity and strengthen national food security.