By Abdul Ghani

The government has set production targets for major Kharif crops for 2026 while projecting a significant increase in agriculture credit to support the upcoming cropping season.

According to the “Monthly Economic Update & Outlook April 2026” released by the Finance Division and available with Wealth Pakistan, agriculture credit is expected to rise to Rs3,062 billion, reflecting an increase of 19% compared to the previous year.

The projected increase in credit is intended to help farmers meet key input requirements, including seeds, fertilizers, and mechanization, ahead of the Kharif season.

The report outlines production targets for major crops. Cotton production has been set at 9.64 million bales, rice at 9.17 million tonnes, maize at 9.77 million tonnes, and sugarcane at 80.3 million tonnes.

These targets reflect planning measures to sustain agricultural output and ensure adequate supply of key crops during the upcoming season.

The document highlights that sufficient water availability is anticipated for Kharif crops, with estimated supplies of 67.45 million acre-feet (MAF). This is expected to support cultivation across major agricultural regions.

In addition to water availability, the report indicates that certified seeds and fertilizers are expected to remain adequately available, contributing to preparedness for the cropping season.

The increase in agriculture credit is part of broader efforts to enhance productivity and support farmers through improved access to financial resources. The report notes that higher credit availability is expected to facilitate investment in farm inputs and agricultural activities.

The document also points to ongoing reforms aimed at modernizing the agriculture sector. These reforms include a focus on mechanization and improvements in seed systems, which are designed to enhance efficiency and crop yields.

The report highlights that the combination of financial support and input availability is expected to help achieve the set production targets for Kharif 2026.

However, the document also notes that certain challenges remain. Climate-related stress and rising diesel prices continue to affect agricultural operations, influencing production costs and overall sector performance.

The data indicates that the government has outlined both targets and support measures for the upcoming Kharif season, as reflected in the official report.

The planned increase in agriculture credit, along with input availability and production targets, reflects efforts to sustain agricultural output during FY2026.

Credit: INP-WealthPk