The federal government has officially approved the Wheat Policy 2025-26, fixing the wheat procurement price at Rs. 3,500 per 40 kilograms. This move comes as Pakistan faces growing pressure to protect farmer incomes while keeping national food security in check. The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.
Balancing Farmer Welfare and Market Trends
This new procurement rate is carefully aligned with international import prices to ensure farmers get fair compensation without putting additional strain on the national budget. The government hopes this will encourage farmers to keep cultivating wheat, ensuring stable reserves for the country’s food supply.
The policy also allows unrestricted inter-provincial movement of wheat, aiming to make the crop more accessible nationwide. A national committee, led by the Federal Minister for National Food Security, will oversee the implementation and report weekly to the prime minister.
Farmer Demands and Regional Concerns
Despite the price hike, not everyone is satisfied. Sindh’s Agriculture Minister Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar has called for a higher support price of Rs. 4,200 per 40 kg, warning that farmers might shift to more profitable crops if the price remains low. Such a shift could lead to reduced wheat cultivation and spark a potential food supply issue in the coming months.
The Pakistan Peoples Party has also urged the federal government to expedite a minimum support price announcement that better reflects market realities.
Sindh’s Support Program for Growers
In an effort to support farmers, the Sindh government has launched a Rs. 56 billion Wheat Cultivation Support Programme. Under this scheme, subsidies worth Rs. 24,700 per acre are being offered to over 411,000 small and medium farmers for fertilizer purchases. More than 132,000 farmers have already registered, showing strong participation and interest.
This regional push complements the federal policy, ensuring that farmers have the necessary incentives and resources to continue wheat cultivation.
National Food Security at the Core
The new wheat price policy is not just about market rates. It’s part of a larger food security strategy that aims to maintain a healthy buffer stock and reduce reliance on imports. The national committee overseeing this policy will ensure smooth coordination between provinces, timely procurement, and stable availability throughout the year.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the policy was designed after consulting provincial governments, farmer associations, and stakeholders from the agriculture sector. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing farmers, particularly rising input costs.
Why the Wheat Price Matters
The wheat support price is a critical factor in determining crop choices, farmer income levels, and national food reserves. If the price is too low, farmers may reduce wheat cultivation. If it’s too high, the government faces higher procurement costs. Setting the price at Rs. 3,500 aims to strike the right balance between affordability and sustainability.
This decision also reflects Pakistan’s broader goal of ensuring food self-sufficiency and protecting farmers from volatile international price shocks.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the announcement provides some relief, farmers still face rising fertilizer and energy costs. Climate-related risks, including recent floods, have also made wheat cultivation more unpredictable. Experts believe sustained subsidies, better irrigation systems, and modern farming methods will be crucial to making this policy effective.
The success of this policy will depend on timely procurement, transparent pricing mechanisms, and farmer-friendly reforms.
A Step Toward Stability
Pakistan’s wheat sector is a backbone of its agriculture economy, feeding millions and supporting rural livelihoods. By fixing the procurement price at Rs. 3,500, the government is signaling its commitment to stabilizing the market and strengthening the country’s food security framework.
As farmer groups, provincial authorities, and the federal government continue to negotiate and refine support measures, all eyes are on how this policy will impact crop yields and food availability in 2026.
Read More: Pakistan Takes Bold Steps to Boost Meat Exports to Malaysia
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