Pakistan sets wheat support price at Rs3,500 per 40kg, rules out supply risk

Pakistan’s federal government has set an illustrative wheat procurement price of Rs3,500 per 40 kilograms for the upcoming harvest and said there is no risk of wheat shortages, citing adequate stocks across provinces.

The government said current procurement arrangements will remain in place for one year while a comprehensive national wheat policy for 2026–2030 is being prepared.

Chairing a meeting of the national wheat oversight committee, Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain said the forthcoming policy would introduce digital traceability mechanisms, enhanced supply chain monitoring, transparency measures, and price stabilisation tools, aimed at improving federal–provincial coordination.

Federal and provincial officials briefed the committee on procurement preparedness, stock positions and supply management ahead of the harvest. Authorities said existing stocks are sufficient to meet national consumption requirements until the new crop arrives.

Provinces outlined procurement plans. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said it would adopt a hybrid procurement model with 75pc public sector and 25pc private sector participation. Sindh said wheat procurement would be carried out through the public sector to manage prices and ensure stable supply.

The federal government reiterated that coordinated measures are in place to maintain uninterrupted wheat availability and protect farmers and consumers.

The minister directed provinces to intensify market monitoring during Ramazan and take administrative steps to prevent unwarranted increases in flour prices.