The Punjab government on Friday approved the Wheat Policy 2026, establishing a benchmark rate of Rs3,500 per maund to build substantial strategic wheat stocks aimed at supporting farmers and stabilising food markets.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the policy demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting farmers, ensuring food security, and safeguarding consumers through effective governance.
Under the new framework, wheat procurement, financing, storage, and supply will be managed by the private sector through registered “aggregators” under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
The government will retain a regulatory and oversight role, with no direct procurement and no expenditure from the public exchequer. The benchmark price of Rs3,500 per maund is designed to provide farmers with price protection while ensuring the creation of sufficient strategic reserves through market mechanisms.
The policy guarantees farmers access to markets and ensures direct and timely digital payments, improving transparency and reducing delays. These measures aim to strengthen farmers’ financial security and encourage participation in the strategic stock program.
The implementation of the policy will be monitored through Divisional Strategic Reserve Management Committees, which will oversee stock levels, procurement processes, and supply arrangements across the province. This structured approach is intended to ensure efficiency, accountability, and transparency throughout the wheat supply chain.
CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized that Punjab is determined to protect farmers’ interests, stabilise food markets, and safeguard consumers by combining efficient regulation with modern governance systems.
The policy reflects a strategic approach to food security, market stability, and farmer welfare, aligning with the government’s broader economic and agricultural objectives.
By leveraging public-private partnerships and introducing digital monitoring and payment systems, Punjab’s Wheat Policy 2026 aims to create a sustainable framework that supports farmers, strengthens the wheat supply chain, and ensures affordable and stable food availability for consumers across the province.
