Progressive farmers have raised alarms about the declining crop yields in Pakistan, attributing the fall to climate change, water shortages, ineffective pesticides, and a lack of modern seed varieties. They have expressed concerns that pesticide companies are flourishing, with around 680 companies in the country, yet their products fail to protect crops from viruses and insect attacks effectively. Farmers have called for strict monitoring of pesticide quality and a ban on the registration of new companies.
According to veteran agriculturalist Nabi Bux Sathio, cotton yields have significantly dropped, with current yields at about 15 maunds per acre, compared to the 30-35 maunds seen 15-20 years ago. The government’s cotton target of 13 million bales for the 2024-2025 season has fallen short, with only 5.5 million bales procured so far, leading to increased imports to meet the country’s needs.
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Wheat yields are also expected to drop by 25-30% from the government’s target of 30 million metric tonnes (MMTs), potentially causing a shortfall of at least 3 MMTs. Farmers blame low profitability and inadequate agricultural inputs for shrinking wheat production areas, with many opting to plant less wheat this season.
Dr. Shakeel Palh, a farmer from Tando Allahyar, highlighted that growers are continually advised to adopt modern techniques, yet they face substandard seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides. He urged the government to invest in research and development (R&D) and to take action against local market mafias that exploit growers by selling fake agricultural inputs, stressing that without intervention, food security remains at risk.
