ISLAMABAD: Government incentives have significantly boosted agricultural activity in Balochistan, with the total cropped area expanding from 3.6 million acres in 2010 to 9.4 million acres in 2024.
Wheat continues to dominate farming in the province, rising from 45.0% of the cultivated land in 2010 to 48.3% in 2024. In contrast, rice cultivation fell sharply from 13.0% to 8.2%, and maize declined from 2.0% to just 0.3%.
The 7th Agricultural Census of Pakistan 2024 shows cotton farming has grown considerably in Balochistan, increasing from 1.0% to 9.0% of the cropped area. Sugarcane remained a minor crop at 0.2%, while fodder maintained a steady 3.0% share. Other crops collectively dropped from 35.0% in 2010 to 24.8% in 2024.
In Punjab, cultivated land increased from 45.0 million acres to 49.7 million acres over the same period. Wheat maintained a stable share of around 41.5%, rice cultivation dipped slightly from 14.0% to 13.4%, while maize cultivation rose from 1.0% to 4.3%.
Sindh also recorded growth in its cropped area, moving from 12.4 million acres in 2010 to 13.1 million acres in 2024. Wheat’s share climbed from 38.0% to 40.8%, and rice – already a major crop – saw an increase from 20.0% to 21.5%.
