Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to set the proposed price of wheat at Rs 4,500 per maund for 2027. The new price is Rs 1,000 higher than last year. The government says the move is aimed at encouraging farmers to get better compensation for their rising agricultural costs and increasing domestic production.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the decision to increase the price of wheat has been taken keeping in mind the cost of production, fuel prices and inflationary pressures. Last year, the price of wheat was fixed at Rs 3,500 per maund.
Shahbaz Sharif said that the new proposed price is expected to help farmers cover their costs and earn reasonable profits. According to him, the main objectives of this decision are to attract farmers to wheat cultivation and strengthen the agriculture sector.
The prime minister thanked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her cooperation and suggestions in the consultation process. He also appreciated the cooperation of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
According to the government, inflation and increases in agricultural costs in the past years have increased the financial difficulties of farmers. Pakistan has also had to import wheat in the last two years, due to which the importance of increasing local production to meet the country’s needs has increased.
On the other hand, the Punjab government has also announced fixing the price of wheat at Rs 4,500 per maund. According to the Agriculture Department, Punjab produces about 76 percent of the country’s wheat requirements. The timely announcement of the price in the province has been described as important for the planning of farmers and the agricultural sector.
The government hopes that the new proposed price will increase interest in wheat cultivation in the coming season and increase domestic production. However, the practical effects of this decision will also depend on the cost of production, crop yield and the method of price implementation.
The increase in wheat price may provide potential relief to farmers, but for food security, it is necessary to provide adequate compensation to farmers and keep flour prices affordable for consumers.
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