Maize: looking for more attention

Maize, which is one of countrys major crops, saw the production plunge by 20 percent over last year as it fell short of 6 percent from this years target. The major reason being alarming security situation, coupled with heavy rainfall and hailstorm during crop harvest that created an unfavorable condition for maize while also threatening next years crop .
Since the ongoing military operation in NWFP and the law and order situation may also result in lower production from the province, there is a need to increase cultivation in other provinces.
This makes more sense considering that Pakistan consumes only 1.5 million tons of maize and exports the remaining quantity which ranges between 2 to 2.5 million tons. In contrast, this time around, the country is short of export target by about 1 million tons and is likely to lose its major export markets, mainly Afghanistan and Iran, where there is still ample demand for this season.
Presently, Punjab with its most favorable maize harvesting factors contributes 80 percent to aggregate maize production, whereas, Sindh and Baluchistan cumulatively contribute about 10 percent - and all of them were able to achieve production targets. And there is considerable evidence that these provinces can increase further. The number suggests that culturable waste - defined as the unutilized farm area fit for cultivation - is estimated around 2 million hectares in Punjab, 1.5 million hectares in Sindh and 4.83 million hectares in Baluchistan.
Therefore, this potential area could offset ongoing threat to agriculture while shifting major crop to Punjab and other two provinces. Another way to increase production is by expanding the usage of hybrid maize seeds introduced in select parts of the country this year, which can help increase the yield per hectare of the crop.
As far as the contribution form NWFP is concerned, one can only hope for things to settle, but we will be better off utilizing the area available for maize cultivation elsewhere in the meanwhile, rather than sitting back and playing the waiting game.
All information and data used are from reliable source(s) and subjected to extensive research after diligent and reasonable efforts to determine the soundness of the source(s). This analysis is not for the benefit of or discredit to any person, scrip or tradable instrument. The content(s) of this analysis shall not be construed as an advice or recommendation to trade. No relationship of client will be created between Business Recorder and user of this information. Professional advice must be taken by the reader before making investment/trading decisions. BR disclaims any liability for investment(s) made or liability accrued on basis of this analysis. The content(s) including all opinion(s), statement(s) and information are subject to change without prior notice and/or intimation.