ISLAMABAD, Oct 29: The Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA) on Monday fixed target of wheat at 20.1 million tons for the upcoming season.

The provinces were asked to prepare a wheat production plan and strategy to achieve this target.

The decision to this effect was taken in meeting presided over by minister for food and agriculture Khair Mohammad Junejo.

The production targets of gram and lentil were also fixed at 580,000 tons and 40,000 tons respectively.

Junejo said as Pakistan had an agro-based economy, all out efforts were being made to increase per acre yield not only to attain autarky in food items but also to have sufficient stocks for export purposes.

The committee reviewed water availability situation and rainfall forecast for Kharif and Rabi seasons.

The meeting was informed that water shortages for the coming Rabi crops will be 51 per cent. The provinces were, therefore, advised to develop a water use plan for the coming Rabi crops.

The committee noted with satisfaction that with the induction of Trading Corporation of Pakistan, the prices of seed cotton (phutti) are hovering around the support price fixed by the government.—APP