Food security snapshot in Afghanistan

The article provides an overview of Pakistan's agricultural season from 2023 to 2024, focusing on wheat, maize, and rice production amidst various weather challenges and economic contexts. It details the planting and harvesting schedules for winter and spring wheat, as well as the starting of maize and rice planting, highlighting the impact of rainfall patterns on crop conditions and yields. Despite facing water deficits in certain regions and experiencing flooding elsewhere, the total wheat production is projected to be near-average or slightly above the previous year, though rice production is expected to be below-average due to water scarcity. Pakistan's cereal import needs are anticipated to increase due to insufficient milling capacity, against a backdrop of declining wheat flour prices. The article also addresses the critical issue of food insecurity in the country, which affects over 12.4 million people, though numbers have slightly decreased from the previous year thanks to humanitarian aid, increased production, and lower food prices. The return of over half a million refugees from neighboring countries to Afghanistan further escalates the requirements for humanitarian assistance.