Pakistan Wheat Farmers Warn of 3 Million-Tonne Shortfall Without Price Support

Pakistan's wheat farmers are facing heavy losses due to poor policy decisions, warn the Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI). The organisation has urged the government to restore the wheat support price and provide subsidies on all phosphatic fertilisers. If not addressed, the country may face a 3 million-tonne wheat shortfall in the upcoming crop.

The PKI says farmers have lost around Rs2,200 billion over the last three years due to a sharp fall in wheat prices. Many farmers did not sow wheat in the current season or shifted their land to other crops. The situation has worsened this year due to global factors such as the Gulf conflict and Russia-Ukraine war.

The PKI has calculated that the net cost of producing one maund of wheat is Rs3,761, including seed, fertiliser, diesel, labour, and other inputs. Adding a 25% profit margin, the support price should be set at Rs4,702 per maund to incentivise farmers to invest in wheat again.

The PKI has made six key demands, including securing the wheat support price of Rs4,702 per maund, government procurement of wheat to protect food security and farmer income, and subsidies on all phosphatic fertilisers. The organisation hopes that the government will resolve the wheat crisis by implementing these measures.