Cotton sector crisis may ease with R&D focus
The slow sowing pace results from water shortages, high input costs, and unpredictable weather
CM Punjab approves Rs 2.5 billion for early cotton cultivation
Farmers to receive Rs 25,000 per five acres under Punjab’s cotton initiative
Agri income tax collection to begin July 2025 with retrospective effect from January
All provinces pass respective laws to ensure the new tax is applicable to small farmers and commercial agriculture.
Cotton growers urge government to prioritize water for existing crops
With the country’s two major dams nearly depleted, canal water shortages hit several districts of Sindh
Pakistan’s agricultural tax higher than India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
The tax, implemented under IMF conditions, ranges from 15% to 45%, with an additional 10% super tax on high-income landowners
Pakistan risks water conflict by 2030 without urgent reforms, warns World Bank officialÂ
Expert cautions that unsustainable water use could deplete groundwater by 2030 and surface water by 2037, leading to nationwide disputes.
Govt approves Rs14bn for solar-powered tubewells in Balochistan
Rs12.4 billion disbursed by March 1, 2025; initiative seeks to cut power sector debt and enhance agricultural energy efficiency
IMF seeks provincial readiness for agriculture income tax collection from July 2025
Fund reviews National Fiscal Pact implementation, urges shift in GST collection and tax expansion
Sindh leads in cotton yield as Punjab’s production falls 36%
Punjab records 2.71m bales, Sindh 2.8m; early sowing, climate boost Sindh’s output
IMF discusses agricultural income tax with Pakistani officials during loan review
Provincial governments and finance officials engage with IMF on taxation framework
Govt directs Passco to speed up wheat sales ahead of new harvest
Minister for National Food Security stresses timely disposal to prevent losses and stabilise market
Farmers advised to irrigate wheat crops to avoid fungus
In case of an infection or insect attack, the department recommends the use of pesticides to protect the crops
Punjab launches Rs25,000 incentive for early cotton sowing
The initiative aims to address the significant decrease in cotton planting for the 2024-25 season
Wheat production at stake as Punjab, Sindh face 35% water shortage
Indus River System Authority warns Tarbela and Mangla reservoirs approach their dead levels
Kenya cuts customs valuation of Pakistani rice by 25% to boost trade
Lower pricing expected to increase Pakistan’s rice exports amid global price decline