Introduction
Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, employing over 38% of the labor force and contributing nearly 19% to GDP. With diverse climate zones, Pakistan enjoys the ability to grow a variety of crops in different seasons like Rabi, Kharif, Baharia, and Mosmi. But what grows where? And what has changed in recent years like cotton disappearing from Okara or strawberries suddenly booming? Let’s explore!
Major Crop Seasons in Pakistan
Rabi Crops (Winter Crops)
- Sowing Time: October to December
- Harvest Time: April to June
- Main Crops: Wheat, barley, mustard, peas, grams
Kharif Crops (Summer Crops)
- Sowing Time: April to June
- Harvest Time: September to November
- Main Crops: Rice, maize, cotton, sugarcane, millet
Baharia Crops (Spring Crops)
- Sown in February–March, harvested in June–July
- Commonly includes maize, vegetables, cucumbers, watermelons
Mosmi Crops (Seasonal Vegetables and Fruits)
- Includes short-season crops like spinach, okra, pumpkins, melons, and seasonal herbs
- Dependent on weather fluctuations
District-Wise Crop Cultivation in Punjab
Okara
Past Cotton Cultivation
Okara was once a key cotton-producing district, but cotton cultivation has nearly disappeared. Why?
- Pest attacks (pink bollworm)
- Water shortages
- Low profitability compared to maize and vegetables
Strawberry Farming Boom
Interestingly, strawberries were not cultivated here a few years ago, but due to:
- Better awareness
- High returns per acre
- Suitable climate
Farmers shifted from wheat and fodder crops to commercial strawberry farming, especially near Hujra Shah Muqeem and Renala Khurd.
Arifwala
A major agricultural tehsil in Pakpattan district:
- Famous Crops: Wheat, maize, rice
- Soil & irrigation: Ideal for double cropping and vegetable cultivation
Wazirabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot
These districts lie in the northern fertile belt of Punjab:
- Gujranwala: Basmati rice, wheat, and seasonal vegetables
- Wazirabad: Rice and sugarcane
- Sialkot: Famous for citrus (Kinno), guava, and early wheat harvesting
Multan
Known as the “City of Mangoes”:
- Major producer of mangoes (Sindhri, Chaunsa)
- Also grows cotton, sugarcane, wheat, and vegetables
Other Key Punjab Districts
- Faisalabad: Wheat, sugarcane, and vegetables
- Bahawalpur: Cotton, wheat, sunflower
- Layyah & Rajanpur: Gram (chickpeas), millet, and pulses
- Sahiwal: Maize, wheat, and dairy-focused fodder crops
Crops by Region
Sindh
- Lower Sindh (Thatta, Badin): Rice
- Upper Sindh (Sukkur, Ghotki): Sugarcane, cotton
- Khairpur & Larkana: Dates and bananas
- Hyderabad: Vegetables and chili peppers
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)
- Charsadda & Swabi: Tobacco
- Peshawar Valley: Sugarcane, maize
- Swat & Dir: Apples, peaches, plums
- Bannu & DI Khan: Wheat, barley
Balochistan
- Kalat & Mastung: Apples, pomegranates, grapes
- Quetta: Onions and garlic
- Turbat & Panjgur: Dates
- Nasirabad: Tomatoes, onions, wheat
Vegetables and Spices: Import and Self-Sufficiency
Onions, Tomatoes, and Garlic
Despite being agriculturally rich, Pakistan has at times imported onions and tomatoes from India, especially:
- During flood seasons
- When local production fails
- Or due to market shortages
However, Balochistan and Sindh are main suppliers of these crops when weather supports.
Crop Exports from Pakistan
Major Exported Crops
- Rice (Basmati & IRRI varieties)
- Mangoes
- Citrus (Kinno)
- Onions, potatoes
- Chilies and pink garlic
- Dates and dry fruits
Countries Importing Pakistani Crops
- Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman
- Europe: UK, Germany, Netherlands
- Asia: Malaysia, China, Bangladesh
- Africa: Kenya, Somalia
How to Export Crops as an Individual
Step-by-Step Guide
- Get NTN and Register a Business (Sole proprietor or firm)
- Register with Pakistan Customs and TDAP
- Get a Phytosanitary Certificate from the Department of Plant Protection
- Connect with Freight Forwarders
- Find International Buyers via trade fairs, B2B platforms, or embassies
- Send Sample and Final Shipment as per contract
Government Institutions Helping Exporters
- TDAP (Trade Development Authority of Pakistan)
- PARC (Pakistan Agricultural Research Council)
- Chambers of Commerce
- Agricultural departments of provincial governments
Farmers can also collaborate with exporters who purchase their crops for international shipment.
Conclusion
Pakistan is blessed with fertile land and four distinct crop seasons—Rabi, Kharif, Baharia, and Mosmi. Each district contributes differently to our national food basket, from Multan’s mangoes to Sialkot’s citrus and Okara’s strawberries. While climate and economics have changed what we grow, new crops like strawberries and high-yield vegetables are shaping the future.
Though we sometimes import onions or tomatoes from India during crises, Pakistan also proudly exports rice, mangoes, citrus, and more to over 40 countries. With the right knowledge and support, even small farmers can become global exporters.
FAQs
1. Why is cotton no longer grown in Okara?
Due to pest issues, low yield, and poor market rates, farmers replaced cotton with maize and fruits like strawberries.
2. Does Pakistan still import tomatoes and onions?
Yes, occasionally during flood damage or production shortfalls. Otherwise, local supply meets demand.
3. How can I export crops from Pakistan?
Register with FBR and TDAP, get your crops certified, find a buyer, and work with a shipping company.
4. Which Pakistani crop is most exported?
Rice is the top crop export, followed by mangoes and citrus fruits.
5. What is Baharia maize?
It’s maize sown in spring (Feb–March) and harvested in early summer (June–July), widely grown in Punjab.