PM Shehbaz calls for fair wheat prices for farmers, affordable supplies for consumers

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the relevant authorities to ensure fair compensation for farmers while maintaining affordable wheat supplies for consumers, stressing the need for consultation with provincial governments before determining the price of the staple crop.   The prime minister made the remarks while chairing the first meeting of the National Agriculture and Food Security Council (NAFSC) in Islamabad on Tuesday, where participants reviewed agricultural development, food security, farmers’ concerns, wheat pricing and opportunities to increase agricultural and livestock exports.   Shehbaz described agriculture as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, saying that development in the sector had the potential to accelerate economic growth.   He said the federal government would extend cooperation to provincial administrations to promote agriculture and improve farmers’ welfare.   The prime minister emphasised the need to provide agricultural inputs at affordable rates, including fertilisers, quality seeds, modern machinery and equipment that could improve water-use efficiency.   He said particular attention should be given to small and medium-sized farmers to ensure they received reasonable prices for their crops and adequate returns for their work.     Wheat price to be decided after provincial consultation   The prime minister stressed that the wheat price should be determined before the sowing season to help farmers make informed decisions about cultivation and production.   He said the government wanted to protect farmers’ interests while ensuring that consumers could purchase wheat at affordable prices.   According to the official account of the meeting, the wheat pricing decision would be taken after consultation with provincial governments, with an announcement expected once the process was completed.   Shehbaz also said sufficient wheat was available to meet domestic requirements. He warned that those involved in hoarding the commodity would not be given any concession.   The proposed approach seeks to balance the interests of agricultural producers with the purchasing power of consumers, although the final price and its potential effects on farmers and the market will depend on the government's decision.     Focus on agricultural inputs and provincial cooperation   The prime minister highlighted the importance of affordable fertilisers, improved seed quality, modern agricultural equipment and better irrigation practices in raising productivity.   He also praised initiatives undertaken by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to support farmers, including the Kisan Card and direct subsidies, as well as measures relating to aquaculture and shrimp farming.   Shehbaz also acknowledged efforts by the Sindh government to improve agricultural facilities and support farmers.   Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Sindh Food Minister Makhdoom Mehboob-uz-Zaman briefed the meeting on initiatives in their respective provinces to improve agricultural services and promote farmers’ welfare.   Representatives from Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan also provided updates on measures to develop agriculture in their respective regions.   The prime minister called for stronger coordination between federal and provincial governments, saying consultation and cooperation were important to achieving national agricultural development and food security objectives.     Livestock exports seen as growth opportunity   Shehbaz also highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s livestock sector to contribute to export earnings and strengthen the agricultural economy.   He said the government was working to increase exports of Pakistani halal meat to generate foreign exchange and expand the country's presence in international markets.   The prime minister stressed that higher agricultural output, modern technology and improved facilities for farmers could help Pakistan make better use of its agricultural resources.   The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, advisers, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Sindh Food Minister Makhdoom Mehboob-uz-Zaman and senior officials.   The government's next key step will be to complete consultations with the provinces and announce the wheat pricing decision ahead of the sowing season.