Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain announced a new National Wheat Policy, the first in nearly 40 years, aimed at bolstering food security in Pakistan. The policy, formulated after consultations with all provincial governments, sets the wheat price at Rs. 4,500 per maund to protect farmers’ interests and stabilize the market.

According to Press Information Department, Hussain emphasized the government’s consensus-driven approach to ensuring fair compensation for farmers and maintaining market stability. The policy, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, includes measures to enhance agricultural productivity and regulate the market, with strategic reserves of six million metric tonnes of wheat planned to ensure continuous supply.

Hussain assured the public that there would be no wheat shortages this year, highlighting that domestic procurement at Rs. 4,500 per maund is economically viable compared to importing. With over 1.3 million metric tonnes already distributed to provinces from PASSCO stocks, the government is prepared to import up to 550,000 metric tonnes if needed.

Addressing recent price fluctuations, Hussain attributed them to artificial manipulation by market elements and expressed confidence in returning to normal pricing. The government is actively monitoring the market to prevent artificial shortages and speculative practices.

The policy also outlines broader agricultural reforms, including seed, olive, and biotechnology improvements aimed at modernizing agriculture and reducing production costs. Hussain stressed the importance of sustainable agricultural development for economic stability and food security.

Khalid Mahmood Khokhar, President of Pakistan Kissan Ittehad, praised the government’s price-setting decision, acknowledging its role in providing farmers with reliable pricing for their crops.