Pakistan is an agricultural country and about 70% of its population depends on agriculture. Our farmers grow two types of crops:
(1) Food crops
(2) Non-food crops
These crops not only meet the country’s food needs but also provide raw materials for our industries. Along with this, a large quantity of them is exported abroad and valuable foreign exchange is earned.
The most important cash crops of Pakistan include cotton, rice, sugarcane, tobacco and fruits.
Cotton is the main cash crop of Pakistan and is mostly cultivated in Sindh and Punjab. Tharparkar and Sanghar districts in Sindh are famous for cotton, while Multan, Sahiwal and Rahim Yar Khan regions in Punjab are prominent in cotton production. At present, cotton is one of the major exports of Pakistan.
Rice is another important cash crop of ours which is cultivated in Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This crop is grown on an area of about 150 million hectares in Punjab and Sindh. Basmati rice is very famous all over the world and its demand is everywhere. Rice exports earn about 22 percent of the foreign exchange.
Sugarcane provides the raw material for our sugar industry. Its average yield is fifty tons per hectare. Almost every farmer cultivates sugarcane on a part of his land and it is grown in almost every province.
Tobacco is also an important cash crop in Pakistan. Pakistan’s land is very suitable for this crop. The tobacco industry provides employment to thousands of workers in the fields and factories. Ordinary quality tobacco is grown in Punjab and Sindh, while Peshawar and its surrounding area are famous for the production of Virginia tobacco which is of world standard.
Mangoes, apples, grapes and malts are exported in large quantities among fruits. Mangoes are the most prominent among them. The major markets for mangoes are in the Middle East, Gulf countries, Singapore, Malaysia, London, Germany and Sweden.
In addition, rye, sunflower and soybean seeds are also considered cash crops. Vegetable ghee is mostly made from cotton seeds, while sunflower is also becoming increasingly popular as a cash crop.
We should make serious efforts to increase the production of these crops so that unemployment and inflation can be controlled. This will not only increase exports but will also have a positive impact on the country’s economy and help improve the standard of living of the people.
Cash Crops in Pakistan: Economic Benefits & Risks
Cash Crops in Pakistan: Backbone of the Economy and Challenges Introduction Cash crops are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. Major crops such as cotton, rice, wheat and sugarcane not only meet the country’s food requirements but are also the largest source of foreign exchange earnings. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2023–24, these crops contribute about 22.7 percent to the agricultural GDP and provide employment to a large number of the rural population. Along with them, minor cash crops such as fruits, vegetables, pulses and oilseeds also provide diversified sources of income to farmers. Importance of Cash Crops in Pakistan Contribution to the National Economy Cotton, sugarcane, wheat and rice are the backbone of Pakistan’s agricultural economy. Pakistan ranks fifth in the world in cotton and sugarcane production, seventh in wheat and tenth in rice (Ministry of Food and Agriculture, 2024). Foreign exchange earnings Rice exports earned $2.5 billion in 2023 alone, while the cotton-based textile industry generated $19.3 billion in exports. Among fruits, mangoes in particular ($250 million annually) and quinoa ($180 million in 2023) are major export commodities. Employment provision The cotton and textile sectors provide employment to about 15 million people. Similarly, rice mills in Punjab and Sindh provide temporary employment to about 2.3 million workers every year. Issues and challenges Income inequality – Only 5% of large landowners own 60% of agricultural land, while small farmers survive on less land and fewer resources. Environmental issues – Monoculture of cotton has depleted 60% of groundwater in Sindh. 35% of drinking water in Punjab’s rice areas has been contaminated with agrochemicals. Food shortage – Wheat production is declining due to the conversion of more land to sugarcane and other cash crops. In 2023, Pakistan had to import 3 million tonnes of wheat, costing $1.2 billion. Impact of climate change – The 2022 floods destroyed 4.4 million acres of agricultural land and caused losses of $30 billion. A severe heat wave reduced wheat production by 15-20%. Conclusion Cash crops are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and exports. They not only employ millions of people but also provide foreign exchange to support the economy. However, issues such as unequal distribution of land, water scarcity, environmental degradation and food shortages are challenging the sector. Pakistan needs sustainable and equitable agricultural policies to strengthen the economy, make farmers prosperous and maintain ecological balance.
