ISLAMABAD, Nov 11 (ABC): Balochistan is expected to account for nearly 79% of Pakistan’s mash production in 2026–27. The province is projected to produce 4,100 tonnes against the national estimate of 5,190 tonnes.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, farmers are expected to cultivate mash over 6,400 hectares nationwide during 2026–27. Balochistan alone will account for 4,800 hectares, representing 75% of the country’s total cultivation area. Mash is an important Kharif pulse crop in Pakistan.
Balochistan maintains lead in mash production
Balochistan’s mash cultivation area is projected to increase by 3.7% during 2026–27. The area will expand from 4,630 hectares in 2025–26 to 4,800 hectares, an increase of approximately 170 hectares.
However, the province’s production is expected to decline despite the expansion in cultivated area. Official estimates place output at 4,100 tonnes, compared with 4,220 tonnes in the previous year. This represents a decrease of 2.8%.
Similarly, the average mash yield in Balochistan is projected to fall from 911 kilograms per hectare to 854 kilograms per hectare. Nevertheless, the province will maintain a yield above the national average of 810 kilograms per hectare.
These estimates indicate that Balochistan will remain Pakistan’s largest mash-producing province. Moreover, its share of national production will remain substantially higher than that of other provinces.
Sindh expects 23.1% growth in mash production
Meanwhile, Sindh is expected to record growth in both mash cultivation and production during 2026–27. Official estimates indicate a 27.3% increase in cultivated area and a 23.1% rise in production.
The province’s mash cultivation area is projected at approximately 30 hectares, while production is estimated at around 20 tonnes. However, the average yield is expected to decline slightly.
According to the documents, Sindh’s average mash yield will decrease from 590 kilograms per hectare in 2025–26 to 571 kilograms per hectare in 2026–27.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on the other hand, is expected to record a slight decline in mash production. Its output is projected at 790 tonnes, compared with 800 tonnes in the previous crop year.
Despite the expected decline, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will maintain the highest average mash yield among the four provinces. The province’s yield is estimated at 906 kilograms per hectare, well above the national average.
Punjab’s mash output projected to fall by 52.5%
Punjab is expected to experience the sharpest decline in mash production during 2026–27. According to official estimates, the province’s output will fall by 52.5%, from 590 tonnes to 280 tonnes.
The cultivated area is also projected to decrease considerably. Farmers are expected to grow mash over 700 hectares, compared with 1,300 hectares in 2025–26.
Furthermore, Punjab’s average mash yield is likely to decline from 453 kilograms per hectare to 400 kilograms per hectare. The reduction in both cultivation area and yield will contribute to the province’s lower production.
Pakistan’s total mash production to decline by 7.7%
At the national level, Pakistan’s mash production is expected to decline by 7.7% during 2026–27. Official estimates place total output at 5,190 tonnes, compared with 5,620 tonnes in 2025–26.
Likewise, the country’s total mash cultivation area is projected to decrease from 6,840 hectares to 6,400 hectares. This represents a reduction of 440 hectares.
The national average yield is also expected to fall by 1.5%, declining from 822 kilograms per hectare to 810 kilograms per hectare.
Overall, the provincial estimates show contrasting trends in mash cultivation and production. While Sindh is expected to record growth, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will experience lower output. Balochistan will also see a slight production decline despite expanding its cultivated area.
Nevertheless, Balochistan will continue to dominate Pakistan’s mash production, contributing nearly four-fifths of the national output in 2026–27.
