A High Powered Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA) mandated to oversee strategic measures for ensuring food security in the country, held its meeting on 31st March, 2022 under the chairmanship of Syed Fakhar Imam, Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research. Besides participations of senior officers of the Ministry of National Food Security & Research, the meeting was attended by the Provincial Agriculture Departments, State Bank of Pakistan, ZTBL, National Fertilizer Development Center (NFDC), Pakistan Meteorological Department, Indus River System Authority and member, Food Security & Climate Change of Planning Commission of Pakistan. 2.While reviewing the performance of the Rabi crops (2021-22), the Committee observed that wheat production for 2021-22 is estimated 26.8 million tons from an area of 8.99 million hectares; the decrease of production is 2.5% over the last year. The committee observed that the Gram production for 2021-22 has been estimated at 354.7 thousand tons from an area of 866.6 thousand hectares; the increase in production is 51.6% over the last year. The committee was informed that the Potato production for 2021-22 has been estimated at 7.74 million tons from an area of 0.3 million hectares; the increase in production is 34.8% over the last year. The committee also discussed the production achievements of other essential crops like Gram, Lentil, Onion and Tomato. 3.The FCA held detailed deliberations over the production targets for essential Kharif crops 2022-23 and decided to fix 11.0 million bales of cotton production target from an area of land 2.5 million hec whereas fix 8.6 million tons production target for Rice over 3.1 million hec of land. The targets for other crops such as Maize, Mung, Mash and Chilies were also fixed. The Committee fixed the production target (2022-23) of sugarcane at 78.6 million tons over an area of 1.2 million hectares. 4.Pondering over the availability of agricultural inputs for Kharif crops (2022). For the Kharif year 2022, the water availability in canals head will remain 65.84 million acres feet (MAF) as against last year which was 65.08 MAF. At present all the provinces are getting their satisfactory supplies in the system. 5.Meteorological department informed that overall normal rain fall are likely to occur all over the country. During the month of July to September, Sindh Province and Kashmir are likely to receive slightly above normal (+10%) rainfall during August and September. Area weighted normal rainfall of Pakistan during July to September 140.8mm. It is also informed that sufficient water will be available for irrigation and power sectors. 6.The Committee was informed that the availability of Rice and Maize seed will remain available as per requirement. The representative from State Bank of Pakistan informed that allocations of institutional credit for agriculture had substantially increased to Rs.1700 billion for 2021-22 and the disbursement up to January, 2022 is Rs: 740.3 billion which is 43.5% of overall annual target of 1700 billion which is 3.4% higher than the disbursement of 715.6 billion made during last year. 7.The FCA appreciated the positive impact of fertilizer subsidy scheme which contributed to high yield and noted that the supply of Urea remain under stress due to high demand of Urea and high prices of DAP during 2020-21 for 2021-22 Rabi Season. Due to local production and available stocks, the supply position of Urea will remain comfortable subject to operational of LNG based Urea Plants. DAP will also remain on satisfactory level. 8.In the end, the Committee expressed satisfaction over the food security situation in the country however, emphasized the need for research & development as well as better coordination to consolidate the gains and ensure further progress of the sector.
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