Karachi: Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $180 million during the week, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Thursday.
Total reserves now stand at $19.678 billion, of which the SBP holds $14.27bn, while commercial banks’ reserves inched up to $5.34bn, the central bank noted.
Meanwhile, wheat and sugar prices have witnessed sharp increases, raising hopes of improved farmer profitability ahead of the upcoming sowing season.
Wheat prices surged to a 19-week high of Rs710 per 10kg (Rs2,839 per 40kg), with some markets quoting Rs3,000–3,050 per 40kg, according to Topline Securities. The rebound comes after farmers suffered steep losses in the last crop cycle, when average earnings dropped by Rs10,695 per acre, compared with profits of Rs13,572 in the previous season.
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Agriculture growth has slowed to just 0.6pc in FY25, compared to 6.4pc in FY24, with wheat output declining 8.9pc. The SBP estimates production may fall by around 11pc this year due to poor profitability and reduced sowing. Analysts believe the recent recovery in prices could encourage farmers to increase acreage in the coming Rabi season.
Sugar has also seen a sharp spike, rising from Rs138–140 per kg in January to around Rs180 per kg last week, well above the government’s ex-mill rate of Rs165, according to PBS data.
Analysts say the combined effect of higher wheat and sugar prices may boost farmer incomes, restore confidence, and strengthen the rural economy. Improved farm profitability could help stabilise agriculture’s share in GDP, reduce reliance on imports, and enhance food security.
