Pakistan Agriculture News / Discussions

[ghazi52]

Livestock is the faster-moving countryside​

A final finding receives too little attention: livestock has expanded much faster than crop acreage. Between the livestock censuses of 2006 and 2024, cattle numbers increased by 89 per cent, buffalo by 75 per cent, sheep by 68 per cent and goats by 78 per cent.

Taken together, these four major species rose by about 78 per cent. The number of in-milk cows increased by 140 per cent and in-milk buffalo by 111 per cent.

By comparison, between 2010 and 2024 cultivated area grew by 24 per cent, cropped area by 22 per cent and orchard area by 42 per cent. The periods and units are different, so this is not a direct productivity comparison.

It nevertheless suggests that the livestock economy is becoming an increasingly important source of rural resilience, household assets, nutrition and cash income.

Policy still treats livestock as an appendix to crops. Veterinary services, feed markets, breeding, disease surveillance, milk collection and cold chains should move much closer to the centre of agricultural planning.

 

[ghazi52]

Early cotton arrivals hit record 527,900 bales​

Amjad Mahmood
July 19, 2026

LAHORE: Pakistan’s cotton arrivals increased by a record 77.3 per cent by July 15 compared to the same period last year, marking the strongest early-season recovery in years.

However, experts warned that adverse weather, rising input costs, and the deepening crisis in the textile industry could still threaten the final crop output.

According to the first production report for cotton season 2026-27 released by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) on Saturday, total seed cotton arrivals at ginning factories reached 527,900 bales by July 15, up by 230,149 bales from 297,751 bales recorded during the corresponding period last year.

Cotton Ginners Forum Chairman Ihsanul Haq said Punjab contributed 201,497 bales, an increase of 38.9pc over last year, while Sindh recorded a remarkable 326,403 bales, registering a 113.8pc rise. Balochistan also posted a 90pc increase, with arrivals rising from 5,100 to 9,700 bales.

Sindh output doubles, Punjab’s jumps 38.9pc

 

[hydrabadi_arab]

PM welcomes Chinese investment to modernise Pakistan’s grain storage infrastructure​

FAMSUN will establish a green silo demonstration centre, upgrade existing storage facilities and provide technology transfer and workforce training under an agreement with Green Pakistan Initiative

July 24, 2026
1 min read

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday welcomed Chinese agribusiness company FAMSUN’s plan to modernise Pakistan’s grain storage infrastructure through new green silo facilities, technology transfer and workforce training.

The prime minister discussed the initiative during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office with a delegation led by FAMSUN Chief Executive Officer Jack Chen.

Officials briefed the meeting that FAMSUN intends to establish a demonstration centre for green silos in Pakistan and upgrade existing grain storage centres into modern facilities.

A memorandum of understanding has already been signed between FAMSUN and the Green Pakistan Initiative.

Shehbaz said the project would support the introduction of modern agricultural technology and promote commercial activity in the sector.

He directed that skills development and training for Pakistani workers be included in the proposed projects to strengthen local capacity.

The prime minister said stronger business-to-business cooperation would further deepen Pakistan-China relations, which he described as continuing to expand through economic collaboration.


Jack Chen thanked the prime minister and the Government of Pakistan for their hospitality.

He recalled meeting Shehbaz during the prime minister’s recent visit to China, which led to FAMSUN’s visit to Pakistan to explore practical cooperation in food security.

Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar and senior government officials attended the meeting.

 

[ghazi52]

Pakistan, China sign LoI to establish agricultural technology display park​

Tahir Ali | Gwadar Pro
Jul 24, 2026

PARC Chairman Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi and FAMSUN Group Chief Executive Officer Jack Chen sign the LoI. [Photo/NFS&R Ministry]

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan and China’s FAMSUN Group have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) to explore the establishment of a FAMSUN Technology Display Park, a move aimed at accelerating agricultural modernization, technology transfer and research collaboration, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research said on Thursday.

The LoI was signed by PARC Chairman Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi and FAMSUN Group Chief Executive Officer Jack Chen.

According to the ministry, the proposed technology display park will serve as a platform for showcasing advanced agricultural technologies while promoting joint research, professional training, innovation and capacity building. The initiative is also expected to strengthen cooperation among government institutions, universities, the private sector and investors.

Under the LoI, both sides will jointly assess the feasibility of establishing the FAMSUN Technology Display Park at PARC. The proposed facility is envisioned as a hub for agricultural technology demonstrations, collaborative research, professional training and stronger cooperation among academia, industry, government agencies and investors.

The ministry said the partnership is expected to facilitate knowledge exchange and support the introduction of internationally recognized agricultural solutions in Pakistan.

 

[Goenitz]

China seeding technique

 

[hydrabadi_arab]

Green Pakistan Initiative Expands Cultivable Land and Supports Farmers in Balochistan​

By Web Desk TGP / August 11, 2026

QUETTA: Significant progress has been made in agricultural development and improving the livelihoods of local farmers in Balochistan under the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI), with thousands of acres of previously uncultivated land brought under cultivation.

Under Phase-I of the initiative, 3,800 acres of land in Dukki, Qila Saifullah and Sibi were made cultivable through the installation of 144 solar-powered tube wells, helping improve access to irrigation while promoting renewable energy in agriculture.


The initiative was further expanded under Phase-II, with another 8,481 acres of land brought under cultivation across Kohlu, Barkhan, Chaman, Nushki, Dera Bugti, Zhob, Mastung, Quetta and Qila Saifullah.

According to the available details, the two phases have so far benefited 288 farmers, providing them with opportunities to increase agricultural production and improve household incomes.

Wheat, cotton and orchards cultivated on the newly developed land are contributing to increased agricultural output while also generating employment opportunities for local communities. The expansion of cultivated land is expected to strengthen rural livelihoods and support greater economic self-reliance in the province.

The use of solar-powered tube wells is also an important component of the initiative, offering a more sustainable source of energy for irrigation and reducing farmers’ dependence on conventional power sources.

The agricultural development efforts under the Green Pakistan Initiative highlight the potential of combining land development, renewable energy and modern irrigation infrastructure to support farmers in water-stressed and economically underdeveloped areas.

The initiative is expected to continue contributing to agricultural growth, employment generation and improved livelihoods across Balochistan while supporting broader efforts to promote sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.

 

[ghazi52]

Islamabad, Riyadh agree to boost Pakistani agri and food exports to $3bn​

Syed Irfan Raza
August 30, 2026



Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Engineer Abdulrahman Al-Fadley pose in Islamabad on Aug 28, 2026. — PID

Islamabad and Riyadh have agreed to boost Pakistani agricultural and food exports to Saudi Arabia up to $3 billion, the countries said in a joint statement on Sunday.

The statement, shared by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), said the agreement was reached after “successful” talks between Saudi Arabia’s agriculture ministry and Pakistan’s food security ministry, at the initiative of PM Shehbaz Sharif.

At the invitation of the Pakistani government, a Saudi delegation led by Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Engineer Abdulrahman Al-Fadley visited Islamabad from August 26 to August 28.

The delegation included senior officials from Riyadh’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the General Food Security Authority and other relevant institutions.

PM Shehbaz met the Saudi delegation and discussed potential areas of cooperation in detail, the joint statement said, referring to Friday’s meeting.

“The two countries expressed their shared commitment to increase Pakistan’s agricultural and food exports to Saudi Arabia to $3bn, with efforts to be made to achieve the target over the next two years,” it read.

“For this purpose, rice, red meat, fruits and their concentrates, green fodder and water-efficient agricultural technologies were identified as priority sectors in collaboration with the Saudi private sector.”

 

[hydrabadi_arab]

“The two countries expressed their shared commitment to increase Pakistan’s agricultural and food exports to Saudi Arabia to $3bn, with efforts to be made to achieve the target over the next two years,” it read.

And how they will archive that. Maybe don't set stupid targets for headlines?

 

[hydrabadi_arab]

"For the first time in history, the Chief Minister of Punjab has launched the High-Tech Mechanization Support Program to prevent the annual wastage of 2 million tons of wheat due to obsolete machinery in Punjab. In the last season, 300 new harvesters were added to Punjab's fleet, and 5,000 cases have been approved"


Punjab need 30k new harvesters, cost $2bn. Will save 2 million tons of wheat. the math make sense, govt just need to spend more on agriculture development and less on stupid projects.

Punjab have yet to recover from PTI era disaster.

 

[hydrabadi_arab]

Dutch-French Agri-Business Giant Opens 40,000 Ton Grain Facility in Multan​

By Business Desk | Published Sep 2, 2026 | 9:40 pm


Dutch-French commodities giant Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) has expanded its operations in Pakistan by establishing a new grain storage facility with a capacity of around 40,000 metric tons in Multan.

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The facility is located at LDC’s first company-owned industrial site in Pakistan and is aimed at strengthening its grain storage and supply chain operations.

Rubens Marques, LDC’s Head of South & Southeast Asia, said Pakistan is an important grain market and a key South Asian destination for the company.

He said the investment would strengthen LDC’s presence in Pakistan’s domestic market and improve its ability to meet changing customer demand in the region.

LDC has operated in Pakistan since 2010 and is active in cotton, grains, oilseeds, pulses, rice and sugar, with wheat being one of its key markets.

Muhammad Danyal, LDC’s Country Head for Pakistan and Head of Grains & Oilseeds for Pakistan, said Pakistan’s agricultural base and rising grain demand continue to create business opportunities.

He added that investment in logistics infrastructure would help improve services for suppliers and customers, strengthen supply chains and create local employment.

Pakistan is one of South Asia’s major agricultural markets and among the world’s largest wheat producers and consumers, with demand supported by a population of more than 250 million.

 

[hydrabadi_arab]

Punjab CM inaugurates mobile veterinary fleet for treatment of livestock​

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For the first time in Punjab, a complete mobile hospital unit for the treatment of livestock has been established and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated mobile veterinary fleet on Thursday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
On the occasion, Maryam Nawaz inspected the state-of-the-art mobile veterinary dispensary, veterinary laboratory and X-ray unit.
The Chief Minister directed to hold a livestock conference.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif also approved the proposed design of the model veterinary hospital.
It was briefed that 30 more mobile veterinary dispensaries and 17 mobile veterinary labs launched while 2206 mobile veterinary hospitals have become functional in Punjab.
The mobile veterinary dispensary will have an ultrasound, X-ray unit, and a mobile veterinary laboratory that will be able to conduct 40 tests on the spot with screening/surveillance of livestock diseases in mobile veterinary hospital.
Provincial Minister for Livestock Ashiq Hussain Kirmani and Secretary Livestock Ahmed Aziz Tarar gave a briefing.
According to briefing, there will be X-rays in 10 divisional hospitals in Punjab, operation theaters and laboratories in 36 districts, and 138 ultrasound machines in each tehsil.
Veterinary assistants will be mobilized on 6964 mobile motorbikes to visit farmers' camps across the province for the treatment of livestock.
Over 1,000 interns have treated 3.4 million livestock under the CM Internship Programme.
A model veterinary hospital will be established in every tehsil of Punjab along with the construction and renovation of 230 veterinary hospitals.
The model veterinary hospital will have cattle crush, latest mechanical crush and horse crush.
Hydraulic operation tables and latest lights will also be installed in operation theatres.
Artificial culling of 800,000 animals in Punjab will be done to increase milk and meat production.
Punjab has become free from lumpy skin disease due to effective vaccination.
Talking on the occasion, Maryam Nawaz said Punjab will increase milk and meat production through improved cattle breeding.
Punjab's livestock farmers are being provided with the facility of cattle treatment at their doorsteps, Maryam Nawaz said.​

 

[ghazi52]

Digital model for pesticide regulation unveiled​

Authority says framework will also introduce science-based risk assessment.

 

[hydrabadi_arab]

Govt Takes Another Step to Digitize Farmers, Land, Soil and Water Records​

By Muhammad Bilal | Published Sep 11, 2026 | 6:10 pm

The government has proposed a nationwide digital system for maintaining farmers’ and agricultural land records, including soil and water testing data, as part of efforts to modernize Pakistan’s agriculture sector.

The Digital Farmers’ Diary and AgriStack proposal was presented during a high level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the development of agriculture and promotion of agricultural exports.

Under the proposed system, records of farmers and agricultural land across the country would be digitized along with information from soil and water testing.

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The meeting also considered the introduction of the Pakistan Good Agriculture Practices system to promote better farming practices and improve agricultural productivity.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said increasing per acre yields, modernizing agriculture, developing the livestock sector and expanding agricultural exports would require effective coordination between the federal and provincial governments.

He also said greater value addition in agricultural products was essential to increase exports. The prime minister directed commercial officers at Pakistan’s overseas missions to promote agricultural exports, expand access to international markets and identify new markets for Pakistani products.


The government also plans to launch a media campaign for a mobile application for crop monitoring. The meeting discussed agricultural value chains and identified China, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Gulf countries as important markets for Pakistani agricultural products.

Officials told the meeting that Pakistan’s agricultural exports reached $5.18 billion during the previous financial year. Rice, fisheries, halal meat, potatoes, sesame, tobacco, mangoes and maize were among the major agricultural exports. The meeting also considered financing facilities for agricultural exporters.

The prime minister stressed the need to increase agricultural productivity, improve value addition and expand Pakistan’s presence in international markets.


The government has also been working to expand access to agricultural financing. Earlier this week, the prime minister directed banks and financial institutions to increase lending to farmers and provide financing on favorable terms.

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Agricultural lending reached Rs. 1.268 trillion in August 2026, while the government has set a target of increasing it to Rs. 2 trillion by June 2028 under the Access to Finance Plan 2026 to 2028.

The meeting was also informed that 35,838 applications had been received through the Zarkhez e app for agricultural loans, with Rs. 7.35 billion approved and Rs. 1.96 billion disbursed.