ISLAMABAD: Key findings of the National Economic Survey 2025-26 have emerged ahead of its official release on June 4, revealing growth in Pakistan’s livestock sector, rising animal populations and moderate expansion in agricultural output during the current fiscal year.
According to official documents, the agriculture sector recorded a growth rate of 2.9%, while livestock remained one of the strongest-performing segments of the rural economy.
The National Economic Survey shows that the livestock sector grew by 3.8% during fiscal year 2025-26. The population of several major livestock categories increased during the year, reflecting continued expansion in the sector.
Official documents show that the number of donkeys reached 6.16 million, registering an annual increase of 1.9%.
Similarly, the mule population increased by 1.8% to 221,000, while the number of horses rose by 0.8% to 386,000.
Buffaloes, cows, goats record significant increases
The country’s buffalo population crossed 49.1 million after growing by 3% during the fiscal year. The number of cows reached 61.96 million, marking a record annual increase of 3.8%.
Goat numbers climbed to 91.8 million, reflecting growth of 2.7% compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the sheep population increased by 1.2% to more than 33.5 million. The camel population also expanded, rising by 1.4% to 1.193 million animals.
The Economic Survey indicates that Pakistan’s fisheries sector recorded growth of 1.7% during the current fiscal year. The increase highlights steady activity in fisheries despite broader challenges facing parts of the agriculture sector.
Agriculture grows 2.9%
According to the survey documents, the overall agriculture sector posted growth of 2.9% in fiscal year 2025-26. The survey also notes that total production of major crops increased by 0.6% during the year.
While some crops achieved record output levels, others experienced declines due to lower cultivation areas and production challenges.
Wheat, rice and sugarcane positive performance
Wheat remained one of the strongest-performing crops during the fiscal year. The area under wheat cultivation increased by 4.4%, while production rose by 4.3% to 29.6 million tons.
Rice production also increased by 2.8% despite a 3.6% decline in cultivation area, indicating improved productivity. Sugarcane production recorded a particularly strong performance, increasing by 6.2% to a record 89.4 million tons.
Corn and cotton production decline
Not all major crops recorded growth during the year. Corn production declined by 2.7%, although the cultivation area remained unchanged from the previous year.
Cotton production also fell by 0.5%, while the area under cotton cultivation decreased by 1.5%. The figures underline ongoing challenges facing Pakistan’s cotton sector.
The survey highlights strong growth across several other crops. Overall, the category of other crops expanded by 2.4%.
Gram production surged by a record 50.4%, making it one of the best-performing crops of the year. Potato production increased by 27.6%, while mango production rose by 11.6%.
Banana production also recorded a substantial increase of 30.8%.
Among spices and specialty crops, turmeric production increased by 25.1% during the fiscal year. Chilli production also posted growth of 9.2%, according to official documents.
These gains contributed positively to the overall performance of the agriculture sector.
Cotton ginning, miscellaneous agriculture sluggish
Despite growth in several agricultural segments, some sectors showed limited expansion. The growth rate of cotton ginning and miscellaneous agricultural activities remained only 0.1% during the fiscal year, indicating continued structural challenges in these areas.
The National Economic Survey for fiscal year 2025-26 is scheduled to be officially presented on June 4.
The report provides a comprehensive snapshot of Pakistan’s agricultural, livestock and fisheries sectors and is expected to serve as a key reference ahead of the federal budget announcement.
