LAHORE: Pakistan’s agricultural sector has suffered a severe setback, with food exports Pakistan plummeting 38 percent to USD 1.95 billion between July and November 2025, compared to USD 3.15 billion in the same period last year. Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain described the situation as “extremely alarming,” highlighting that declining food exports Pakistan threaten national food security and economic stability.

Key Factors Behind the Export Crisis

The minister attributed the decline in food exports Pakistan to multiple challenges, including low per-acre crop yields, inadequate investment in agricultural research and development, rampant smuggling, hoarding practices, and inconsistent government policies. He emphasized that these factors are eroding Pakistan’s position in the global food exports Pakistan market and weakening the agricultural sector’s contribution to GDP.

Crop Yields and Production Fall Dramatically

Rice exports, traditionally a strong contributor, fell almost 50 percent from USD 1.5 billion to USD 769 million. Vegetable exports dropped by 39 percent, while oilseeds and nuts plunged 64 percent to just USD 92 million. The decline in per-acre crop productivity has compounded the problem: wheat yields dropped from 3,200 kg per acre, rice from 2,714 kg to 1,494 kg per acre, and cotton yields fell to 590 kg per acre. These reductions are directly impacting food exports Pakistan, reducing both volume and quality.

Population Growth Intensifies Food Supply Challenges

Minister Hussain warned that Pakistan’s population growth of approximately 4.7 million people annually is outpacing agricultural production, creating an urgent need to boost domestic food supply and stabilize food exports Pakistan. He stressed that ensuring national food security is critical for economic stability and social well-being.

Government Steps to Support Export Recovery

The minister highlighted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is closely monitoring the situation and has directed government officials to engage with the business community for immediate corrective measures. High production costs, expensive energy, and a complex tax system are key barriers that need urgent reform to support food exports Pakistan.

Collaboration With Business Community

Rana Tanveer Hussain noted that consultations with the business community have intensified over the past two years. Sector-specific working groups led by industry representatives are helping incorporate practical recommendations into policy-making to revive food exports Pakistan.

Strategic Measures for Export Growth

The government aims to promote an export-driven economy to reduce the current account deficit. Positive developments include foreign exchange reserves reaching USD 21 billion and the policy rate declining from 22 percent to 12.5 percent. The minister cautioned that while remittances provide temporary relief, sustainable economic growth relies on increasing food exports Pakistan, particularly in the agricultural sector, which is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy.

Industry Perspective: LCCI Warns of Urgent Reforms

LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol highlighted that Pakistan’s textile-based economy, which contributes approximately 60 percent of exports, is being undermined by declining cotton quality and production. High electricity and energy prices further threaten export competitiveness. Saigol also called for the immediate removal of the infrastructure cess in Sindh, noting that exporters have paid approximately USD 9.15 billion under this levy without transparent audit or benefit, which indirectly affects food exports Pakistan due to higher operational costs.

Moving Forward: Focus on Productivity and Food Security

The minister stressed that Pakistan possesses the necessary resources, skilled human capital, and geographic advantages to reverse the decline in food exports Pakistan. However, success requires coordinated efforts, consistent government policies, and active participation from the business community. Immediate focus on agricultural productivity, efficient supply chains, and fair export policies is essential to restore Pakistan’s position in the global food exports Pakistan market.