Pakistan Farmers Demand Early Wheat Policy Amid Financial Crisis

Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) President Khalid Mahmood Khokhar has urged the government to announce next year's wheat policy before the sowing season. Speaking at a press conference in Multan, he warned that continued policy uncertainty could undermine wheat production and threaten food security.

Khokhar noted that wheat growers have suffered heavy financial losses after selling their crop at rates ranging from Rs. 2800 to Rs. 3200 per maund against an estimated production cost of Rs. 3450 per maund. He called on the government to announce the wheat support price every August, proposing it be fixed at the cost of production plus a 25% profit margin.

The PKI chief also demanded reductions in diesel, electricity, and fertilizer prices, as well as the immediate restoration of urea plants to prevent shortages. He expressed concern over declining use of DAP fertilizer, warning that lower application rates could adversely affect crop yields.