Pakistan to Track Crop Data with Satellites

To solve the problems surrounding crop statistics, particularly in Punjab, a new system is shortly to be based on satellite technology to provide more precise cultivation statistics. For decades inaccurate data about crop area and output have caused confusion, making it challenging for policymakers and stakeholders to formulate effective import and export policies. The imprecision has tended to leave national requirements inadequately dovetailed to farm conditions.

The new satellite based system, to be launched next year aims to bridge this gap by giving country reliable, real time information on crop performance. Officials emphasize that national cotton production data should be compared only with official crop reporting estimates from provinces, not fortnightly ginning data issued by PCGA which has frequently led to misconceptions.

In order to further enhance data integrity, the Crop Reporting Service (CRS) requested the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to implement foolproof real time reporting of received and processed cotton in all ginning factories. It is viewed as an important initiative for ensuring transparency, consistency, and policymaker coordination in Pakistan’s agricultural sector.