PM Shehbaz says wheat price to be announced after provincial consultations

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that the government will announce the wheat price after consultations with the provinces, stressing that the decision must ensure fair returns for farmers while keeping wheat affordable for consumers.

Chairing the first meeting of the National Agriculture and Food Security Council (NAFSC) in Islamabad on Tuesday, the prime minister said determining the wheat price before the start of sowing was essential to compensate farmers adequately for their efforts.

He said the country had sufficient wheat stocks to meet domestic requirements and warned that those involved in hoarding the commodity would not be given any concession.

The prime minister said agriculture was the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and had the potential to put the country on a growth trajectory in the short term.

He said the federal government would extend all possible support to the provinces to promote agricultural development, adding that providing farmers with fertilisers at affordable rates, quality seeds, modern machinery and equipment and technical expertise for efficient water use was a priority.

Shehbaz also emphasised ensuring fair prices for crops, particularly for small and medium-sized farmers.

Highlighting the potential of the livestock sector, he said it could significantly boost the country’s exports. He added that the government was taking steps to increase exports of Pakistani halal meat.

The prime minister appreciated Punjab’s initiatives for farmers, including aquaculture, shrimp farming and direct subsidies through the Kisan Card. He also acknowledged the Sindh government’s efforts to support farmers and improve access to facilities.

During the meeting, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Sindh Food Minister Makhdoom Mahboob-uz-Zaman briefed participants on their respective provincial governments’ initiatives for farmers and agricultural development.

The meeting was also briefed on measures to promote agriculture in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Musadik Malik, Jam Kamal Khan, Ahsan Iqbal and Attaullah Tarar, among other federal officials and advisers, attended the meeting.