Arooj Zulfiqar
Pakistan’s agriculture sector is witnessing a significant growth due to increased mechanization and fertilizer production,” reports WealthPK.
According to the data released by the Ministry of Finance in a monthly outlook for October, the first quarter of FY2025 (July-September) highlights the sector's steady advancement, with notable increases in agricultural machinery imports, fertilizer production, and water availability, supporting higher productivity in key crops. In the first quarter of FY2025, agricultural machinery imports surged by 115.9%, reaching $29.7 million. This influx of equipment underscores a nationwide shift towards mechanized farming, particularly benefitting labor-intensive crop production and improving efficiency. Wheat thresher production also rose by 22.8% during the same period, indicating increased preparedness for the upcoming harvest season. Fertilizer offtake figures reflect this heightened agricultural activity. During Kharif 2024, urea offtake was recorded at 2,746 thousand tonnes, while di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) offtake reached 642 thousand tonnes.
Overall fertilizer production increased by 3.7% to 2.45 million tonnes, a critical support to the crop yields. Furthermore, water availability during the Kharif season was favorable, ensuring optimal conditions for crop growth. The combination of sufficient water supply and improved mechanization is likely to translate into robust crop performance, enhancing food security and contributing to the country’s economic growth. Overall, these developments will foster resilience in the agriculture sector, preparing the farming industry to meet future challenges. As mechanization expands, it can also attract additional investment, leading to sustainable long-term productivity and efficiency. With favorable conditions and rising productivity, Pakistan’s agricultural sector appears poised for sustained growth, benefiting both farmers and the broader economy.
Credit: INP-WealthPk