Record sowing area and favourable growing conditions lift wheat production to 29.61 million tonnes
ISLAMABAD: Wheat contributed 1.8 per cent to Pakistan’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 7.7 per cent to agricultural value addition during the fiscal year 2025-26, reaffirming its status as the country’s most important food crop, according to the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2025-26.
The survey said wheat remains Pakistan’s staple crop and plays a vital role in ensuring national food security while supporting rural livelihoods and agricultural growth.
During FY2025-26, wheat was cultivated over 9.48 million hectares, compared with 9.07 million hectares in the previous year, representing an increase of 4.4 per cent in the area under cultivation.
Supported by the larger cultivated area and favourable growing conditions, wheat production increased by 4.3 per cent to 29.61 million tonnes, up from 28.40 million tonnes in the preceding fiscal year.
According to the report, the higher output was driven by the implementation of the Interim Wheat Policy 2025-26, which, together with favourable input conditions during the sowing season, helped improve crop performance across major wheat-producing regions.
The survey highlighted that the increased availability of certified seeds, fertilisers and irrigation water played a significant role in boosting production. Improved soil moisture and nutrient conditions following previous flood events also contributed to higher yields in several wheat-growing areas.
Pakistan’s wheat production remained close to the official target of 29.7 million tonnes, reflecting the combined impact of supportive government policies, improved agricultural inputs and favourable weather conditions.
The Economic Survey noted that the strong wheat harvest is expected to strengthen national food security, support farmers’ incomes and make a positive contribution to overall agricultural growth during FY2025-26.
The report also underscored wheat’s continued importance to Pakistan’s economy, with sustained investment in quality inputs, irrigation infrastructure and productivity-enhancing policies remaining essential to maintaining stable production and meeting the country’s future food requirements.