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Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring an uninterrupted supply of fertilisers as the government is closely monitoring both domestic and global developments to safeguard farmers’ interests and maintain market stability.
In a meeting of the Fertiliser Review Committee held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of the food security minister, it was emphasised that agriculture, which contributes about 19-20% to Pakistan’s GDP and employs 37-38% of the workforce, holds a central position in the national economy.
Meeting participants reviewed the demand and supply situation of urea and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) for the Rabi 2025-26 sowing season and forecasts for Kharif 2026.
They expressed satisfaction that the fertiliser sector was maintaining a strong balance between demand and supply. During Rabi 2025-26, urea availability exceeded demand, which allowed uninterrupted plantations of wheat and other crops, while DAP supply was also sufficient to meet farmers’ needs. Provinces reported improvements in agricultural activity, reflecting better crop economics and seasonal demand.
Approximately 22 to 23 million hectares of land are cultivated annually in Pakistan during the Rabi and Kharif sowing seasons. Wheat is the main Rabi crop, while rice, cotton and sugarcane are major Kharif crops. Fertiliser use aligns with these cropping patterns, contributing to increased agricultural output. The annual demand for urea ranges between 6.5 and 7 million tons, while DAP consumption stands between 1.2 and 1.5 million tons, most of which is met through local production.
The meeting was informed that Pakistan’s fertiliser sector has annual urea production capacity of about 7 million tons. Through efficient resource utilisation and coordination, the sector continues to ensure steady production and nationwide supply.
Regarding Kharif 2026, the minister expressed confidence that adequate quantities of both urea and DAP would be available, with sufficient stocks to meet demand.
