Pakistan Approves 2025-26 Wheat Policy, Easing Interprovincial trade
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Pakistan’s government has approved its wheat policy for the 2025-26 season, a move designed to ensure nationwide availability and stabilize prices amid regional disparities. The decision, announced Sunday by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), removes restrictions on the movement of wheat between provinces.
Addressing regional Imbalances
The new policy comes in response to concerns raised by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) regarding restrictive measures implemented by the Punjab government. Punjab had tightened controls on the interprovincial movement of wheat and flour through a permit system, intended to curb price increases within the province. Though, this action was met with criticism from KP, which has been experiencing soaring prices and wheat shortages.
Did you know? – pakistan’s wheat policy aims to address regional price differences. Punjab’s restrictions on wheat movement led to shortages and high prices in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The new policy seeks to resolve these imbalances.
High-level Policy Discussions
A high-level meeting was convened Saturday, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to finalize the 2025-26 wheat policy. Attendees included the chief ministers of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as a representative from the KP chief minister and the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, alongside other key stakeholders.
Prioritizing Farmers and Food Security
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the critical role of wheat in Pakistan’s economy, stating, “Wheat is not just a staple food item for the people of Pakistan but also the biggest source of earning for the farmers of the country.” He assured stakeholders that the government recognizes the challenges faced by farmers and is committed to their welfare, describing them as the “backbone of the economy.”
The policy development followed consultations with provincial governments, farmers’ associations, and industrialists, according to the PMO. Sharif expressed thankfulness for the collaborative spirit, noting, “We appreciate the cooperation of the provinces for this policy based on consensus.” The overarching goal is to protect consumer interests while ensuring profitability for farmers and fostering growth in the agricultural sector.
Pro tip: – The government consulted with various groups, including farmers and industrialists, to create the wheat policy. This collaborative approach aims to balance consumer needs with farmer profitability and agricultural growth.
Strategic Reserves and Procurement Prices
Under the new policy, the federal and provincial governments will collectively aim to establish strategic reserves of approximately 6.2 million tonnes from the 2025-26 wheat harvest. Wheat will be procured at a rate of Rs3,500 per maund (40 kilogrammes), aligning with prevailing international import prices. This pricing strategy is intended to maintain market competitiveness and provide fair returns to farmers.
Oversight and implementation
A National Food Security Head Committee will be established to oversee the policy’s implementation. This committee will include representatives from all provinces and will convene weekly, reporting directly to the prime minister. Participants in Saturday’s meeting were assured that fair
