Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the government will announce the wheat price after consultations with provincial governments. He stressed 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 in Islamabad on Tuesday, Shehbaz said the wheat price should be determined before sowing begins. This would help farmers understand the expected returns before investing in the next crop. He said timely decisions were essential to compensate farmers adequately for their efforts.
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Pakistan currently has sufficient wheat stocks to meet domestic requirements, according to the prime minister. However, he warned that the government would not spare those involved in hoarding the commodity. The proposed pricing decision aims to balance farmers’ earnings with consumers’ need for affordable wheat.
Describing agriculture as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, Shehbaz said the sector could accelerate economic growth. He pledged federal support for provincial governments working to improve agricultural production. Affordable fertilisers, quality seeds and modern machinery were among the priorities he identified for farmers.
The prime minister also highlighted the need for technical expertise and efficient water use to improve agricultural productivity. He stressed that crop prices should remain fair, particularly for small and medium-sized farmers. These measures, he said, would support agricultural development and strengthen the country’s food security.
Livestock was another key area discussed during the meeting, with Shehbaz highlighting its potential to increase exports. He said the government was taking steps to expand Pakistani halal meat exports. The prime minister praised Punjab’s initiatives, including aquaculture, shrimp farming and direct subsidies through the Kisan Card. He also acknowledged Sindh’s efforts to support farmers and improve access to facilities.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Sindh Food Minister Makhdoom Mahboob-uz-Zaman briefed participants on their governments’ agricultural initiatives. Officials also outlined measures to promote farming in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Musadik Malik, Jam Kamal Khan, Ahsan Iqbal and Attaullah Tarar attended alongside other officials and advisers.