LAHORE: The federal government has given the green light to a comprehensive Wheat Policy 2025–26, designed to stabilise the grain market, ensure fair earnings for farmers, and maintain sufficient national reserves to strengthen Pakistan’s food security.
The policy was approved during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. Chief ministers of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, a representative from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and other key stakeholders attended the session.
Strategic Procurement and Support Price
According to the policy, both federal and provincial authorities will jointly procure around 6.2 million tons of wheat from the upcoming 2025–26 crop. The support price has been fixed at Rs3,500 per 40 kg, keeping in view international market trends.
This step aims to shield farmers from market volatility and secure adequate reserves.
The government also decided to ensure unrestricted movement of wheat between provinces, which will help maintain a competitive market and guarantee supply across the country.
Speaking at the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the vital role of wheat in Pakistan’s agricultural economy.
“Farmers are the backbone of our economy. Their prosperity is directly linked to national development. This policy has been crafted with their interests at heart,” he stated.
He further explained that the new strategy was finalised after extensive consultations with provincial governments, farmer groups, and industry stakeholders.
“This is a consensus-based policy designed to protect public interests while ensuring farmers receive fair compensation,” he added.
To ensure smooth execution, the government will establish a National Wheat Oversight Committee, headed by the Federal Minister for National Food Security. The body will include representatives from all provinces, convene on a weekly basis, and submit regular progress reports to the prime minister.
Officials expressed confidence that the new wheat framework would bolster agricultural productivity, raise farmers’ incomes, and stabilise wheat supply throughout the year.
