Punjab targets record wheat production this year, says secretary agriculture

MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Mar, 2026) Punjab is set to achieve a strong agricultural season as authorities project wheat production to surpass 22.5 million metric tons, while an ambitious strategy was underway to revive cotton cultivation across the province.

The developments emerged during a high-level review meeting on the current wheat and cotton situation held in Multan under the chairmanship of Secretary Agriculture Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo. Senior officials of the Agriculture Department, academic leadership, and administrative officers attended the meeting, while additional participants joined online.

Officials briefed the meeting that field assessments indicate an excellent condition of the standing wheat crop across Punjab.

Addressing participants, the Secretary Agriculture said the final survey suggests wheat output was likely to exceed expectations this year, reflecting improved crop management and favorable conditions.

He directed agriculture authorities to ensure farmers receive timely guidance on wheat harvesting, threshing, storage, and transportation, particularly in view of changing weather patterns, so post-harvest losses can be minimized and farmers remain protected from logistical challenges.

The meeting also focused extensively on cotton cultivation, a key component of Punjab’s agricultural economy.

Authorities informed that nearly 3.5 million acres are being prepared for cotton cultivation this season, with early sowing activities nearing completion. The Secretary emphasized achieving the early cotton cultivation target by March 31 and stressed the importance of scientific, stage-wise crop management.

Highlighting global market trends, he noted encouraging signs of stability and potential improvement in international cotton prices, urging departments to adopt modern cultivation strategies to maximize farmer profitability.

In a major policy announcement, the Secretary revealed that a Rs two billion project has been launched to transform Bahawalpur Division into a dedicated “Cotton Valley.” Under the initiative, farmers will receive substantial financial support, including Rs. 120,000 subsidy per unit for chisel ploughs, Rs. 50,000 assistance per farm for establishing model cotton farms, and Rs. 25,000 subsidy for power sprayers.

The meeting concluded with directions to strengthen coordination between field formations and farmers to ensure both wheat harvesting operations and cotton sowing targets are achieved efficiently, reinforcing Punjab’s role as the country’s agricultural backbone.