Comments - Pakistan Agriculture: Record Harvests Forecast After Heavy Monsoon Rains - PakAlumni Worldwide: The Global Social Network 2024-03-28T19:18:00Zhttp://www.pakalumni.com/profiles/comment/feed?attachedTo=1119293%3ABlogPost%3A409365&xn_auth=noCotton crop expected to grow…tag:www.pakalumni.com,2023-10-19:1119293:Comment:4274292023-10-19T18:10:12.462ZRiaz Haqhttp://www.pakalumni.com/profile/riazul
<p>Cotton crop expected to grow by more than twice - Profit by Pakistan Today<br></br><br></br><a href="https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/10/11/cotton-crop-expected-to-grow-by-more-than-twice/" target="_blank">https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/10/11/cotton-crop-expected-to-grow-by-more-than-twice/</a><br></br><br></br>ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s agricultural sector is gearing up for a transformative year with an anticipated 126.6% surge in cotton production. The revelation came to light during the…</p>
<p>Cotton crop expected to grow by more than twice - Profit by Pakistan Today<br/><br/><a href="https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/10/11/cotton-crop-expected-to-grow-by-more-than-twice/" target="_blank">https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/10/11/cotton-crop-expected-to-grow-by-more-than-twice/</a><br/><br/>ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s agricultural sector is gearing up for a transformative year with an anticipated 126.6% surge in cotton production. The revelation came to light during the High-Powered Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA)’s meeting convened to assess the agricultural landscape for the upcoming Rabi Season (2023-24).<br/><br/>As per details, the meeting held on October 11, at Pak Secretariat, Islamabad, was presided over by Prof. Dr. Kauser Abdullah Malik, the Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research.<br/><br/>The projections presented in the meeting indicate that the cotton production for the 2023-24 season is expected to reach a staggering 11.5 million bales, harvested from an extensive area covering 2.4 million hectares. This marks an increase of 126.6% over the previous season and showcases Pakistan’s ability to achieve substantial growth in its agricultural output, specifically in the cotton sector.<br/><br/>During the meeting, the FCA meticulously reviewed the performance of the Kharif Crops (2023-24) and laid out a detailed Production Plan for the upcoming Rabi Crops (2023-24). The discussions also delved into the critical issue of input availability for Rabi Crops, ensuring a holistic approach to agricultural planning and management.<br/><br/>Apart from the remarkable cotton forecasts, the committee revealed the provisional estimates for various other crops. Rice production for the 2023-24 season is expected to reach 8.64 million tons, cultivated across 3.35 million hectares, marking an increase of 12.7% in area and a remarkable 18% rise in production compared to the previous year.<br/><br/>Mung bean production is estimated at 143.6 thousand tons across 198 thousand hectares, showing a slight decrease in area but a commendable 6.4% increase in production. Mash production is anticipated to be 5.28 thousand tons across 7.36 thousand hectares, representing an increase of 12.95% in area and an impressive 24.65% growth in production. Furthermore, chili’s production is estimated at 1.36 thousand tons from 122.1 thousand hectares, indicating moderate increases in both area and production.<br/><br/>The committee, recognizing the importance of strategic targets, established production goals for various crops. Wheat, a staple crop, was set at a substantial target of 32.12 million tons, spanning 8.9 million hectares. Additionally, production targets for Gram, Potato, Onion, and Tomato were fixed at 410, 6330, 2494, and 666 thousand tons, respectively.<br/><br/>Addressing concerns regarding seed availability for Rabi Crops, the meeting participants were assured by DG, FSC&RD that certified seed availability for the Rabi season 2023-24 would remain satisfactory, underpinning the foundation for the anticipated bumper harvests.<br/><br/>However, challenges such as water scarcity were not overlooked. The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Advisory Committee highlighted an anticipated 15% shortage of water for Punjab and Sindh during the Rabi season. Despite this, the prevailing weather conditions were deemed supportive, and effective management strategies were in place to handle the manageable shortage.</p>
<p class="comment-timestamp"></p> In its first official assessm…tag:www.pakalumni.com,2023-08-06:1119293:Comment:4261042023-08-06T03:58:13.479ZRiaz Haqhttp://www.pakalumni.com/profile/riazul
<p><span>In its first official assessment for 2023-24 (May-April), the government of Pakistan is forecasting the country’s wheat production to grow 6% to a record 28 million tonnes, according to a Global Agricultural Information Network report from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture.…</span><br></br><br></br></p>
<p><span>In its first official assessment for 2023-24 (May-April), the government of Pakistan is forecasting the country’s wheat production to grow 6% to a record 28 million tonnes, according to a Global Agricultural Information Network report from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture.</span><br/><br/><span><a href="https://www.world-grain.com/articles/18730-pakistan-expecting-record-wheat-crop" target="_blank">https://www.world-grain.com/articles/18730-pakistan-expecting-record-wheat-crop</a></span><br/><br/><br/><span>“In recent years, abnormally hot and humid weather near harvest negatively affected output,” FAS Post Islamabad said. “This year, however, the weather was favorable throughout the growing season, resulting in record output. Government policies ensured adequate supply of seeds and other inputs throughout the growing cycle.”</span><br/><br/><br/><span>Punjab, the major wheat-growing province, produced more than 1 million tonnes than last year, reaching 21.2 million tonnes. Production in other provinces — Sindh (3.8 million), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (1.4 million) and Baluchistan (1.6) — was almost the same as last year.</span><br/><br/><span>The record harvest will help lower the country’s forecasted import needs from 3 million to 2 million tonnes in 2023-24 even as total consumption grows to 30.2 million tonnes from 29.2 million tonnes. Pakistan imported 2.6 million tonnes last marketing year.</span><br/><br/><span>“Domestic demand continues to expand with population growth, and the record crop production will still be insufficient to meet domestic needs,” the FAS said.</span><br/><br/><span>The government has procured about 6 million tonnes of wheat from the domestic market to replenish its strategic reserves, and government stocks as of mid-June were about 10 million tonnes, the FAS said. The government is expected to start releasing wheat to millers in August, which is later than last year. Until then, millers will buy wheat from the open market.</span><br/><br/><span>Prospects for the 2023-24 rice crop remain good, and the production forecast is unchanged. Weather during seeding and transplanting in May through June was optimum in the rice-growing areas. Rainfall was good, which reduced the need for irrigation water. The 9-million-tonne forecast, if realized, will be the second-largest crop ever, slightly less than the record 9.3-million-tonne crop in 2021-22.</span></p> In Pakistan, flood damage mea…tag:www.pakalumni.com,2023-08-06:1119293:Comment:4261032023-08-06T02:48:33.360ZRiaz Haqhttp://www.pakalumni.com/profile/riazul
<p><span>In Pakistan, flood damage meant 2022/23 cane sugar production reduced to 7.2 mln tonnes compared to 8.6 mln tonnes in 21/22. The area under cane remains consistent with last season, but reduced fertilisers prices could push 23/24 sugar production to 7.8 mln tonnes.…</span><br></br><br></br><br></br></p>
<p><span>In Pakistan, flood damage meant 2022/23 cane sugar production reduced to 7.2 mln tonnes compared to 8.6 mln tonnes in 21/22. The area under cane remains consistent with last season, but reduced fertilisers prices could push 23/24 sugar production to 7.8 mln tonnes.</span><br/><br/><br/><span><a href="https://www.ragus.co.uk/global-sugar-market-report-may-2023/#:~:text=In%20neighbouring%20Pakistan%2C%20flood%20damage,production%20to%207.8%20mln%20tonnes" target="_blank">https://www.ragus.co.uk/global-sugar-market-report-may-2023/#:~:text=In%20neighbouring%20Pakistan%2C%20flood%20damage,production%20to%207.8%20mln%20tonnes</a>.</span><br/><br/><span>Unpredictable rains in India and Pakistan squeeze cane production</span><br/><span>Estimates for India’s sugar production from the 2022/23 cane crop are below the decreased figure we estimated last October. The 35.6 mln tonnes we expect is much lower than the 39 mln tonnes produced in 21/22. Any further exports onto the global market this season seem unlikely, despite India having an export quota of 6 mln tonnes for the world market.</span><br/><br/><span>Despite an increased area under cane, low rainfall during the growing season and too much rain just before the harvest began resulted in lower cane yields. For the 2023/24 crop, the area under cane has increased again. If the monsoon rainfall is average, we expect India to produce 36.4 mln tonnes of sugar. However, that figure only holds if there are no major increases in cane juice or molasses diverted into ethanol production. In 22/23 the equivalent of 4.5 mln tonnes of sugar was used for ethanol production. In 23/24, we expect that figure to be 3.78 mln tonnes.</span><br/><br/><span>If an El Niño weather pattern develops, dry conditions would affect cane planting for the 24/25 crop. In neighbouring Pakistan, flood damage meant 2022/23 cane sugar production reduced to 7.2 mln tonnes compared to 8.6 mln tonnes in 21/22. The area under cane remains consistent with last season, but reduced fertilisers prices could push 23/24 sugar production to 7.8 mln tonnes.</span></p> Pakistan aims to export 5 mil…tag:www.pakalumni.com,2023-08-06:1119293:Comment:4261022023-08-06T00:38:35.855ZRiaz Haqhttp://www.pakalumni.com/profile/riazul
<p>Pakistan aims to export 5 million tonnes of rice amid India ban<br></br><br></br><a href="https://www.geo.tv/latest/502787-pakistan-aims-to-export-5-million-tonnes-of-rice-amid-india-ban" target="_blank">https://www.geo.tv/latest/502787-pakistan-aims-to-export-5-million-tonnes-of-rice-amid-india-ban</a><br></br><br></br><br></br>The REAP chief was optimistic about Pakistan achieving its goal of 5 million tonnes of rice worth $3 billion in the current fiscal year, which began in…</p>
<p>Pakistan aims to export 5 million tonnes of rice amid India ban<br/><br/><a href="https://www.geo.tv/latest/502787-pakistan-aims-to-export-5-million-tonnes-of-rice-amid-india-ban" target="_blank">https://www.geo.tv/latest/502787-pakistan-aims-to-export-5-million-tonnes-of-rice-amid-india-ban</a><br/><br/><br/>The REAP chief was optimistic about Pakistan achieving its goal of 5 million tonnes of rice worth $3 billion in the current fiscal year, which began in July.<br/><br/>---------------<br/><br/>"Pakistan expected a bumper rice crop this year," REAP chief says.<br/>Country exported 3.7m tonnes rice valued at $2.14b last fiscal year.<br/>This year, Kewlani says, Pakistan can export 5m tonnes of rice.<br/><br/>KARACHI: Pakistan's rice exports are projected to rise in the current fiscal year due to the Indian ban on rice exports and the exploration of new markets in Russia and Mexico, the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) said, according to The News.<br/><br/>REAP Chairman Chela Ram Kewlani said Pakistan exported 3.7 million tonnes of rice valued at $2.14 billion in the previous fiscal year, despite facing various challenges.<br/><br/>"Despite devastating floods, crop shortage and many other challenges, we exported 3.7 million tonnes amounting to $2.14 billion," he said.<br/><br/>The REAP chief was optimistic about Pakistan achieving its goal of 5 million tonnes of rice worth $3 billion in the current fiscal year, which began in July.<br/><br/>"India's ban on rice exports will have significant impacts on global rice trade dynamics. This will give a good opportunity for Pakistan to fill the supply gap and expand its market share in major rice-buying countries."<br/><br/>India, the world's biggest rice exporter, banned exports of non-basmati rice last month to ensure domestic supplies amid rising food inflation. Kewlani said Pakistan could benefit from higher export volumes and increased revenues as a result of the ban.<br/><br/>"Overall, the ban may create a favorable trade environment for Pakistan's rice exports." Industry officials said Pakistan's basmati rice prices soared to $500 per tonnes in the international market, up almost $100 from a month ago, as demand surged after the export ban by India.<br/><br/>Pakistani rice is enjoying a premium for its superior quality and could rise further to $600 per tonnes in the coming months, one trader said. "Pakistan has a golden opportunity to boost its rice exports and earn valuable foreign exchange as India has banned its rice exports due to drought." he said.<br/><br/>Pakistan is the world's fourth-largest rice exporter after India, Thailand, and Vietnam. Kewlani said Pakistani non-basmati rice, which was selling at $450 per tonnes before the ban, had also jumped to $500 per tonnes as buyers shifted to alternative sources.<br/><br/>He also said that Russia had registered 15 more Pakistani companies to export rice to the country and 12 more were in the process of registration. "This opportunity will also be beneficial for generation of extra foreign exchange for our country, as Russia is a big and potential market for Pakistani rice."<br/><br/>Kewlani added that a recent visit by Mexican technical experts had gone well and they were satisfied with the compliance of standard operating procedures by Pakistani rice exporters. He hoped that Mexico would soon lift a ban on Pakistani rice and resume imports.<br/><br/>He said Pakistan expected a bumper rice crop this year, with an annual output of around 9 million tonnes. "We hope that we can easily achieve our target of 5 million tonnes worth $3 billion this year."</p>
<p class="comment-timestamp"></p> The rise in global cotton pro…tag:www.pakalumni.com,2023-07-31:1119293:Comment:4259052023-07-31T15:03:35.701ZRiaz Haqhttp://www.pakalumni.com/profile/riazul
<p>The rise in global cotton production is led by the US, Pakistan, and India, with a drop in China's output due to cooler weather conditions.<br></br><br></br><a href="https://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/textile-news/global-cotton-production-forecast-to-hit-4-year-high-in-fy24-usda-288228-newsdetails.htm" target="_blank">https://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/textile-news/global-cotton-production-forecast-to-hit-4-year-high-in-fy24-usda-288228-newsdetails.htm</a><br></br><br></br>Global cotton production in FY24…</p>
<p>The rise in global cotton production is led by the US, Pakistan, and India, with a drop in China's output due to cooler weather conditions.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/textile-news/global-cotton-production-forecast-to-hit-4-year-high-in-fy24-usda-288228-newsdetails.htm" target="_blank">https://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/textile-news/global-cotton-production-forecast-to-hit-4-year-high-in-fy24-usda-288228-newsdetails.htm</a><br/><br/>Global cotton production in FY24 is forecast to reach a four-year high of 116.7 million bales, up slightly from the previous year, as per USDA.<br/>The rise is led by the US, Pakistan, and India, with a drop in China's output due to cooler weather conditions.<br/>Australia's FY24 cotton production is projected at 5.8 million bales, 300,000 bales above FY23.<br/><br/><br/>World cotton production is projected to reach a four-year high of 116.7 million bales in 2023-24 (FY24), according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The expected growth in production represents a slight increase of 400,000 bales from the previous year.<br/>The increase is predominantly driven by the major cotton-producing countries, with the US and Pakistan leading the charge. Both countries are projected to see a significant rise in production, each adding 2 million bales to the global yield. India is also expected to contribute to the surge, albeit on a lesser scale, with an additional half a million bales.<br/><br/>However, these gains will be partially offset by a reduction in output from China, the world's leading cotton producer. The Chinese crop is anticipated to shrink by 3.7 million bales in the 2023-24 season due to cooler than normal temperatures early in the growing season in China's Xinjiang region, which could limit yield potential. This decrease means China's contribution to global cotton production is expected to shrink from 26 per cent in 2022-23 to 23 per cent in 2023-24, as per USDA’s Cotton and Wool Outlook: June 2023 report.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, India is set to buck this trend with a projected 2-per cent increase in cotton production from the 2022-23 crop. This rise comes despite an expected reduction in harvested area, with alternative crops predicted to reduce cotton acreage to 12.4 million hectares. A rebound in yield is set to offset this, with the national yield forecast at 448 kg per hectare, the highest in three years. India's share in global cotton production is set to remain steady at approximately 22 per cent.<br/><br/>Outside of the US, other countries including Brazil, Pakistan, and Australia are also projected to see an increase in cotton production. Brazil's output is expected to hit 13.25 million bales, slightly above the 2022-23 figure and second only to 2019-20's record of nearly 13.8 million bales.<br/><br/>Pakistan's cotton production is set to rebound from the nearly four-decade low of 3.9 million bales recorded in 2022-23 due to flood damage. The forecast production of 5.9 million bales for 2023-24 will account for 5 per cent of global production.<br/><br/>Lastly, Australia's 2023-24 cotton production is projected at 5.8 million bales, 300,000 bales above 2022-23 and close to 2021-22’s record of 5.85 million bales, supported by above-average reservoir levels.</p>
<p class="comment-timestamp"></p> Sugar price hike has nothing…tag:www.pakalumni.com,2023-06-17:1119293:Comment:4249212023-06-17T02:05:21.407ZRiaz Haqhttp://www.pakalumni.com/profile/riazul
<p>Sugar price hike has nothing to do with exports, says PSMA<br></br><br></br><a href="https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/05/01/sugar-price-hike-has-nothing-to-do-with-exports-says-psma/" target="_blank">https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/05/01/sugar-price-hike-has-nothing-to-do-with-exports-says-psma/</a><br></br><br></br>Then the price of sugar was in the range of Rs 80-85 per kilogram, while the cost of production of sugar ranged between Rs 105-110 per kilogram. Pakistan then had a surplus…</p>
<p>Sugar price hike has nothing to do with exports, says PSMA<br/><br/><a href="https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/05/01/sugar-price-hike-has-nothing-to-do-with-exports-says-psma/" target="_blank">https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/05/01/sugar-price-hike-has-nothing-to-do-with-exports-says-psma/</a><br/><br/>Then the price of sugar was in the range of Rs 80-85 per kilogram, while the cost of production of sugar ranged between Rs 105-110 per kilogram. Pakistan then had a surplus sugar stock of 1.2 million metric tons. The sugar industry had asked the government to allow export of at least 1.0 million tons of surplus sugar out of the 1.2 million tons surplus. However, the government inordinately delayed the decision.<br/><br/>The association also added in their statement that timely exports would have given the correct signal to the farmer to plant more sugarcane or improve the yield of their crop by timely inputs. In December 2022, the government finally gave permission to export 250,000 metric tons of sugar. After fulfilling all governmental prerequisites, the sugar industry has exported 172,180 metric tons of sugar till March 2023 earning approximately USD 85 million.<br/><br/>According to the PSMA, the continually increasing international sugar price meant that sugar domestically in Pakistan is priced at half of prices across our border in Afghanistan. PSMA through its spokesman had continually stressed the need to Control our porous borders to Afghanistan or otherwise the huge arbitrage would make it lucrative to smuggle this commodity, as well, along with what has been seen happening in urea and wheat previously.<br/><br/>PSMA had time and again sensitised the government that the smugglers mafia would take advantage of higher sugar prices in the international market and smuggle sugar out of the country. If the government had given due consideration to the apprehensions and demands of the sugar industry then its earnings of foreign exchange would have been added to the national exchequer instead of landing into the pockets of smugglers mafia. Sadly, the industry couldn’t export the surplus and the country couldn’t benefit from this due to the huge smuggling.<br/><br/>It is also important to address the rising cost of sugar production in Pakistan. In the last crushing season, the government had increased the minimum support price of sugarcane from Rs 225 per 40-kg to Rs 300 per 40-kg (a 33 percent increase), resulting in jacking up the cost of production of sugar to Rs 130 per kilogram. While sugarcane is a major cost component, there are other key elements, as well. An increase in Sales Tax from 17 percent to 18 percent means that with any increase in the price of sugar the federal government gets 18 percent benefit.<br/><br/>They also added that the doubling in the mark-up rates of banks from 12 percent to 24 percent has been a major reason for cost increase, since sugarcane payments are made in three to four months while sugar is sold all year around due to its monthly distribution. Other factors that contribute to the issues include raising of minimum labour wages from Rs 16,000 to Rs 25,000, increase in the prices of different chemicals and spare parts of the machinery of around 70-80 percent as they are imported and the exorbitant rise in the oil prices leading to higher transport costs for sugarcane. All these elements are factors in the increase of cost of production of sugar up to Rs 130 per kilogram.<br/><br/>“Despite all the challenges faced by the sugar industry the price of sugar has increased much less in comparison to food inflation in the country which has gone up by 47 percent in the last one year. It might also be reiterated that the sugar industry of Pakistan set up several discounted sugar stalls much below its cost of production in different cities of the country during the holy month of Ramadan. This step of the sugar industry was also acknowledged by government circles. If the government would have timely allowed export of one million tons of sugar it would have ultimately given a positive message to the farmer who would have timely increased plantation and invested more in their fields to increase yield,” PSMA stated.<br/><br/></p>
<p class="comment-timestamp"></p> Rice exports from Pakistan to…tag:www.pakalumni.com,2023-06-17:1119293:Comment:4248362023-06-17T02:04:09.572ZRiaz Haqhttp://www.pakalumni.com/profile/riazul
<p><span>Rice exports from Pakistan to Russia will escalate</span><br></br><br></br><span><a href="https://www.nation.com.pk/17-Jun-2023/rice-exports-from-pakistan-to-russia-will-escalate" target="_blank">https://www.nation.com.pk/17-Jun-2023/rice-exports-from-pakistan-to-russia-will-escalate</a></span><br></br><br></br><span>In a major breakthrough, fifteen more rice establishments got approved for exporting rice to Russia. Under the leadership of Federal Minister NFSR Tariq Bashir Cheema and Zafar Hassan,…</span></p>
<p><span>Rice exports from Pakistan to Russia will escalate</span><br/><br/><span><a href="https://www.nation.com.pk/17-Jun-2023/rice-exports-from-pakistan-to-russia-will-escalate" target="_blank">https://www.nation.com.pk/17-Jun-2023/rice-exports-from-pakistan-to-russia-will-escalate</a></span><br/><br/><span>In a major breakthrough, fifteen more rice establishments got approved for exporting rice to Russia. Under the leadership of Federal Minister NFSR Tariq Bashir Cheema and Zafar Hassan, Secretary MNFSR, DPP succeeded to get approved 15 more rice establishments for exporting rice to Russia.</span><br/><br/><span>Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance of Russia confirms Department of Plant Protection (DPP) Ministry of National Food Security and Research Pakistan that 15 more rice mills which were recommended after technical audit by DPP, can now export rice to Russia. This marks a huge success towards boosting exports and overall economy of the state.</span><br/><br/><span>Russia had put a ban on rice exports few years back because of pest interception in rice. However it was lifted in 2021 and only 4 rice mills, which complied their quality standards, were allowed to export rice from Pakistan to Russia. Department of Plant Protection with the support of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) took special steps to upgrade 15 more mills as per the Guidance Document prescribed by the Russian Federation for compliance with the SPS requirements for rice exports. Now, 19 rice enterprises from Pakistan can export rice to Russian Federation. This is a huge achievement of Pakistan government where Department of Plant Protection under the MNFSR in close collaboration of Ministry Of Commerce became able to pitch increase rice exports to Russian Federation. This brings a good news especially to the rice farmers of Punjab and Sindh, as they will be the beneficiaries for this.</span></p> Amid Food Insecurity, Pakista…tag:www.pakalumni.com,2023-06-17:1119293:Comment:4250062023-06-17T01:52:04.875ZRiaz Haqhttp://www.pakalumni.com/profile/riazul
<p><span>Amid Food Insecurity, Pakistan Reports Record-Breaking Wheat Harvest</span><br></br><br></br><br></br><span><a href="https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-food-insecurity-record-breaking-wheat-harvest/32397280.html" target="_blank">https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-food-insecurity-record-breaking-wheat-harvest/32397280.html</a></span><br></br><br></br><span>With ongoing disruption to global supplies caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there is some good news on commodities markets: Pakistan, one of the…</span></p>
<p><span>Amid Food Insecurity, Pakistan Reports Record-Breaking Wheat Harvest</span><br/><br/><br/><span><a href="https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-food-insecurity-record-breaking-wheat-harvest/32397280.html" target="_blank">https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-food-insecurity-record-breaking-wheat-harvest/32397280.html</a></span><br/><br/><span>With ongoing disruption to global supplies caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there is some good news on commodities markets: Pakistan, one of the world's top 10 wheat-producing countries, has reported a record-breaking harvest.</span><br/><br/><span>1</span><br/><span>A Pakistani farmer carries bundles of wheat during the harvest season at a village on the outskirts of Peshawar, Pakistan, on May 4.</span><br/><br/><span>Pakistan's highest wheat production in a decade is a welcome respite for its cash-strapped government struggling through economic, political, and food insecurity.</span><br/><br/><span>2</span><br/><span>Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to social media on April 30 to announce that the country had attained a “record bumper” harvest of wheat totaling 27.5 million metric tons.</span><br/><br/><span>3</span><br/><span>The announcement came as Pakistan has been dealing with record inflation and struggling to avoid a default on its debt as it recovers from last summer's floods, which killed 1,379 people and caused $30 billion in damages.</span><br/><br/><span>4</span><br/><span>On global markets, the prices of grains, vegetable oil, dairy, and other agricultural commodities have fallen steadily from record highs. But often the relief hasn’t trickled down to the real world of shopkeepers, street vendors, and families trying to make ends meet.</span><br/><br/><span>5</span><br/><span>Food prices were already running high when Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year, disrupting trade in grain and fertilizer and sending prices up even more. But on a global scale, that price shock ended long ago.</span><br/><br/><span>6</span><br/><span>According to the UN, food prices have decreased for a full year straight due to bumper crops in countries like Brazil and Russia, and a fragile wartime arrangement to allow grain supplies out of the Black Sea.</span><br/><br/><span>7</span><br/><span>Food markets are so interconnected that “wherever you are in the world, you feel the effect if global prices go up," said Ian Mitchell, an economist and London-based co-director of the Europe program at the Center for Global Development.</span><br/><br/><span>8</span><br/><span>Pakistani farmers sort wheat grains after they have been threshed during the harvest season at a village on the outskirts of Peshawar.</span><br/><br/><span>The Wilson Center, a nonpartisan research institute, reported on March 6 that 77 million Pakistanis are going hungry and 45 million are malnourished.</span><br/><br/><span>9</span><br/><span>Though Pakistan is ranked among the top 10 wheat-producing countries, inflation has destroyed the purchasing power of the rupee, resulting in record prices for vegetables, beans, rice, and wheat.</span><br/><br/><span>10</span><br/><span>The Central Bank of Pakistan raised its key interest rate by 100 basis points to 21 percent on April 4, pushing borrowing costs to their highest level since records began in 1992. Consumer price inflation in Pakistan accelerated to a record 35.37 percent in March from a year earlier, eclipsing February's 31.5 percent, the statistics bureau said on April 1.</span><br/><br/><span>11</span><br/><span>A worker distributes free traditional roti or bread among needy people at a restaurant in Peshawar on April 16.</span><br/><br/><span>According to the Global Hunger Index 2021, Pakistan ranks 92nd out of 107 countries, indicating a "serious" level of hunger. The government of Pakistan has launched several initiatives to address food insecurity; however, it remains a significant challenge.</span></p> USDA: Global #cotton producti…tag:www.pakalumni.com,2023-06-17:1119293:Comment:4247262023-06-17T01:49:40.609ZRiaz Haqhttp://www.pakalumni.com/profile/riazul
<p><span>USDA: Global #cotton production forecast to hit 4-year high in FY24. It’s driven mainly by major cotton-producing countries, with #US & #Pakistan leading the charge, each adding 2 million bales to global yield. #India also contributing. #textiles…</span><br></br></p>
<p><span>USDA: Global #cotton production forecast to hit 4-year high in FY24. It’s driven mainly by major cotton-producing countries, with #US & #Pakistan leading the charge, each adding 2 million bales to global yield. #India also contributing. #textiles</span><br/><span><a href="https://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/cotton-news/global-cotton-production-forecast-to-hit-4-year-high-in-fy24-usda-288228-newsdetails.htm" target="_blank">https://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/cotton-news/global-cotton-production-forecast-to-hit-4-year-high-in-fy24-usda-288228-newsdetails.htm</a></span><br/><br/><br/><span>World cotton production is projected to reach a four-year high of 116.7 million bales in 2023-24 (FY24), according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The expected growth in production represents a slight increase of 400,000 bales from the previous year.</span><br/><span>The increase is predominantly driven by the major cotton-producing countries, with the US and Pakistan leading the charge. Both countries are projected to see a significant rise in production, each adding 2 million bales to the global yield. India is also expected to contribute to the surge, albeit on a lesser scale, with an additional half a million bales.</span><br/><br/><span>However, these gains will be partially offset by a reduction in output from China, the world's leading cotton producer. The Chinese crop is anticipated to shrink by 3.7 million bales in the 2023-24 season due to cooler than normal temperatures early in the growing season in China's Xinjiang region, which could limit yield potential. This decrease means China's contribution to global cotton production is expected to shrink from 26 per cent in 2022-23 to 23 per cent in 2023-24, as per USDA’s Cotton and Wool Outlook: June 2023 report.</span><br/><br/><span>Meanwhile, India is set to buck this trend with a projected 2-per cent increase in cotton production from the 2022-23 crop. This rise comes despite an expected reduction in harvested area, with alternative crops predicted to reduce cotton acreage to 12.4 million hectares. A rebound in yield is set to offset this, with the national yield forecast at 448 kg per hectare, the highest in three years. India's share in global cotton production is set to remain steady at approximately 22 per cent.</span><br/><br/><span>Outside of the US, other countries including Brazil, Pakistan, and Australia are also projected to see an increase in cotton production. Brazil's output is expected to hit 13.25 million bales, slightly above the 2022-23 figure and second only to 2019-20's record of nearly 13.8 million bales.</span><br/><br/><span>Pakistan's cotton production is set to rebound from the nearly four-decade low of 3.9 million bales recorded in 2022-23 due to flood damage. The forecast production of 5.9 million bales for 2023-24 will account for 5 per cent of global production.</span><br/><br/><span>Lastly, Australia's 2023-24 cotton production is projected at 5.8 million bales, 300,000 bales above 2022-23 and close to 2021-22’s record of 5.85 million bales, supported by above-average reservoir levels.</span></p> GLOBALink | China donates hyb…tag:www.pakalumni.com,2023-06-04:1119293:Comment:4246662023-06-04T23:16:13.388ZRiaz Haqhttp://www.pakalumni.com/profile/riazul
<p>GLOBALink | China donates hybrid rice seeds to flood-hit Pakistani province<br></br><br></br><a href="https://english.news.cn/20230602/f06447ac48fd42b4821a839d5a1323db/c.html" target="_blank">https://english.news.cn/20230602/f06447ac48fd42b4821a839d5a1323db/c.html</a><br></br><br></br><br></br>Hybrid rice seed donation from China will play a major role in rebuilding the agriculture sector of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, which was badly affected by devastating floods last year, a Pakistani official…</p>
<p>GLOBALink | China donates hybrid rice seeds to flood-hit Pakistani province<br/><br/><a href="https://english.news.cn/20230602/f06447ac48fd42b4821a839d5a1323db/c.html" target="_blank">https://english.news.cn/20230602/f06447ac48fd42b4821a839d5a1323db/c.html</a><br/><br/><br/>Hybrid rice seed donation from China will play a major role in rebuilding the agriculture sector of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, which was badly affected by devastating floods last year, a Pakistani official said on Tuesday.<br/><br/>Addressing the seed donation ceremony, Balochistan's legislative assembly speaker Jan Muhammad Jamali said that the government and people of China extended great help to Pakistan in rehabilitation work after the flood, and through the seed donation, it will help the people who lost all their fortune in the calamity.<br/><br/>Jamali said 85 percent to 90 percent of Balochistan was affected by the floods last year, and the donated seeds will revive rice plantations in the province, where rice is a major crop.<br/><br/>Highlighting the friendship between the two countries, Bao Zhong, counselor of political affairs of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, said China-Pakistan friendship is deeply embedded in the hearts of the two peoples.<br/><br/>She said China is willing to encourage enterprises of the two countries to carry out agricultural cooperation under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).<br/><br/>China is ready to share its advanced agricultural development technology and experience with Pakistan to help lift its agricultural development level, the Chinese counselor said.<br/><br/>"China will as always help Pakistan improve the livelihood of the people of Balochistan province, promote exchanges between sister provinces and cities, and encourage the development of local industries to benefit the local people," she added.<br/><br/>Zhou Xusheng, director of the international business department of Wuhan Qingfa Hesheng Seed Co. Ltd, which is the donor, said the Chinese company is willing to continue to provide training on hybrid rice cultivation techniques to Pakistani farmers to help increase agricultural output and their income.<br/><br/>Launched in 2013, CPEC is a corridor linking Pakistan's Gwadar Port with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which highlights energy, transport, and industrial cooperation.</p>
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