Pakistan on Brink of Wheat Crisis as Shortage Looms

Pakistan may be heading towards another wheat crisis, with warnings that the country could face a shortage of up to three million tons of wheat next year. This would result in significant imports and a burden on the country's already struggling foreign exchange reserves.

The solution lies in making farming profitable again for Pakistan's farmers, who have faced uncertainty about wheat prices and government procurement over several years. The cost of diesel, electricity, seeds, and fertilizers has continued to rise, making it difficult for farmers to invest time and effort in a crop without knowing whether they will receive a fair price after harvest.

The Pakistan Kissan Ittehad is urging the government to announce a clear wheat policy before the Rabi sowing season. This would provide farmers with the necessary information to decide which crops to grow and how much land to allocate to wheat, reducing uncertainty and encouraging them to increase production. A support price of Rs4,702 per 40 kilograms has been demanded by farmers, who deserve a fair return on their investment.