Government fixes wheat price at Rs4,500 per maund for 2027 crop
The federal government has set an indicative support price of Rs4,500 per maund for the 2027 wheat crop, up Rs1,000 from last year. The food security minister says the price was set in consultation with all provinces.
- Indicative wheat price for 2027 crop is Rs4,500 per maund, up from Rs3,500
- Government says it will keep up to 6 million tonnes of strategic wheat reserves
- More than 1.3 million tonnes already supplied to provinces from PASSCO stocks
The federal government has fixed an indicative support price of Rs4,500 per maund for the 2027 wheat crop. Last year's price was Rs3,500, so the increase is Rs1,000 per maund.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain said the new price was set in consultation with all provincial governments. According to Daily Pakistan, he said the main aim is to protect farmers' economic interests and give them a fair price for their produce. Daily Pakistan also reported that a comprehensive national wheat policy has been prepared after 40 years.
The minister described the decision as a balanced approach meant to support farmers and boost domestic production, and said he hopes farmers will expand wheat cultivation.
Agricultural experts speaking to the media on Saturday said the higher price would help growers cope with rising input costs and inflationary pressure, improve their returns and encourage greater production. They said it would also strengthen national food security.
On supplies, Rana Tanveer Hussain said strategic wheat reserves of up to 6 million metric tonnes will be maintained this year. He said stocks are ample, there will be no shortage and the public need not worry.
He said more than 1.3 million metric tonnes of wheat has so far been given to the provinces from PASSCO stocks. Arrangements can also be made to import up to 500,000 tonnes more, in line with provincial demand, though the government will prefer buying from local farmers over imports.
The minister called the recent rise in wheat prices artificial and blamed interference in the market by some elements. He said prices should return to normal within a few days, and that steps will be taken against artificial shortages and unjustified price increases. The federal government is monitoring the market and prices continuously.
He added that policies on seeds, olives and biotechnology have been prepared, and that consultation with provincial governments and farmer organisations will continue to ensure the national wheat policy is implemented.
Why it matters
Wheat growers across Pakistan are affected by the new support price, and consumers are affected by the government's statements on stocks and prices.
