Karachi: In a recent review of the wheat procurement process for the Rabi crop 2025-26, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah highlighted the importance of supporting small growers and stabilizing the market. With a procurement target of 973,900 metric tons, the province has already procured 1,061.600 metric tons, but the Chief Minister stressed the need for an accelerated effort to meet the target.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, the provincial cabinet had set a wheat procurement target of one million metric tons at a support price of Rs 3,500 per 40 kg. The procurement is focused on growers who benefited from the Sindh Wheat Growers Support Programme, which provides subsidized DAP fertilizer. At a meeting attended by provincial ministers and other officials, Murad Shah instructed the food department to enhance transparency and efficiency in the procurement process, ensuring timely payments to farmers and compensating those using their own bardana (bags).
Minister for Food Makhdoom Mahboob provided a district-wise update, revealing a slow pace of procurement relative to the target. Despite this, certain districts like Jamshoro have shown better performance, procuring 450 metric tons against a target of 23,150 metric tons. The Chief Minister urged the Food Department and district administrations to intensify procurement operations, with a particular focus on underperforming districts to prevent inefficiencies.
Current wheat prices in the open market are influencing procurement trends, with prices per 40 kg reported at Rs 3,400 in Karachi and Rs 3,340 in Hyderabad and Sukkur. The Chief Minister has directed authorities to monitor market dynamics and take measures against illegal wheat movement and hoarding. He underscored the importance of achieving procurement targets to support farmers, ensure food security, and maintain price stability in Sindh.
Murad Ali Shah concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to agriculture as a priority sector, with a focus on safeguarding farmers’ interests and ensuring food security for the province’s population.