The federal government has approved the 2025–26 Wheat Policy, emphasizing the free movement of wheat across provincial borders and guaranteeing fair compensation for farmers. The policy aims to stabilize national food security while balancing consumer affordability and grower profitability.
No Restrictions on Inter-Provincial Wheat Movement
Under the newly approved policy, there will be no restrictions on inter-provincial wheat transportation. The decision ensures smooth nationwide distribution of the staple crop, preventing supply gaps and regional price disparities. This move follows criticism of Punjab’s earlier permit-based restrictions, which were intended to curb local price surges but drew opposition from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other regions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting attended by chief ministers of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Representatives from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and key agricultural stakeholders also joined the discussion.
Wheat as the Backbone of the National Economy
The Prime Minister highlighted that wheat remains central to Pakistan’s economy and food security. He described farmers as the backbone of the nation, acknowledging their challenges amid rising costs and limited access to resources.
“Wheat is not only a staple food for Pakistanis but also a major source of livelihood for our farmers,” he said. The government, he added, is committed to supporting the agriculture sector through consensus-based policies designed in consultation with provinces, farmers’ associations, and industry experts.
Policy Designed to Protect Farmers and Ensure Food Security
The 2025–26 Wheat Policy focuses on two main objectives: protecting the interests of the people and ensuring fair profits for farmers. The new framework will guide both federal and provincial procurement strategies to create a sustainable balance between market stability and agricultural profitability.
According to the plan, the federal and provincial governments will collectively acquire strategic reserves of approximately 6.2 million tonnes from the 2025–26 wheat harvest. The procurement price has been set at Rs3,500 per maund (40 kilograms), aligning with international import rates to ensure fair returns and global competitiveness.
Weekly Oversight and Transparent Implementation
To ensure transparency and efficiency, the policy’s implementation will be monitored by the National Food Security Committee. This committee, composed of representatives from all provinces, will meet weekly and directly report to the Prime Minister. It will oversee procurement, pricing, and reserve management to safeguard both farmer interests and consumer stability.
Strengthening Agriculture and National Unity
Prime Minister Sharif expressed confidence that the consensus-based policy will foster inter-provincial cooperation and reduce market volatility. He added that the initiative represents a step toward modernizing agriculture, strengthening food security, and ensuring that farmers receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.
The new wheat policy not only ensures economic fairness for farmers but also reinforces Pakistan’s commitment to achieving self-sufficiency and sustainable agricultural growth.
