Pakistan's agricultural sector has shown remarkable growth in the early months of fiscal year 2024-25, with food exports increasing by 45% and imports decreasing by 18%, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
In July, food exports reached $475.7 million, marking a significant increase across various categories. Rice exports led the surge with a 135% increase, while sugar exports saw an extraordinary 590% rise. Vegetable exports doubled, and fruit exports grew by 13% to exceed $40 million.
Other notable increases include a 94% rise in sesame seeds and nuts exports. The fisheries sector saw a modest 0.5% growth, while meat exports increased by 6%, generating nearly $37 million in revenue.
Conversely, food imports decreased from $624 million to $510 million compared to July of the previous year. Significant reductions were observed in the import of milk, tea, soybean oil, and palm oil, with decreases of up to 93%.
These developments are attributed in part to the support provided by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which has been working with the Pakistani government to enhance the agricultural sector's performance.
The export growth reflects increasing international confidence in Pakistan's agricultural products, while the reduction in imports suggests improving domestic production capabilities.
