PAKISTAN (9 February)
The main crop currently in the ground is winter wheat, which is planted in October-November for harvest in April-May. Widespread winter rainfall since 21 January should benefit all the seasonal crops, particularly in the rainfed areas of the upper Punjab, including the districts of Attock, Chakwal, Jehlum and Rawalpindi. The recent spell of rains has also alleviated the severe drought conditions prevailing in the southern province of Balochistan, but it has also caused serious flooding in parts affecting over 30 000 people.
The 2004 wheat output is estimated at 19.4 million tonnes, some 1 percent up on last year’s level and 1.6 percent above the average of the previous five years due to a higher yield. Despite the larger wheat crop, the country is expected to need for 2004/05 1.5 million tonnes of wheat imports due to low stock and growing population. The Government has set a 2005 wheat output target of 20.75 million tonnes. The latest reports indicate the 2004 paddy output at 7.4 million tonnes, 1.8 percent above the previous year. Pakistan is a major exporter of rice and the 2004/05 export is forecast at 2.1 million tonnes.