Pakistan Wheat Import Sparks Calls for Policy Overhaul

Pakistan is set to import one million tonnes of wheat due to insufficient strategic reserves. This decision comes despite previous claims that domestic production and carryover stocks would meet annual requirements.

The current supply-demand imbalance has caused wheat prices to surge from Rs3,300 to Rs4,700 per 40 kg since harvest. The government's wheat policy has been criticized for failing to balance the interests of farmers and consumers.

Farmers are demanding a harvest-time price at least equal to import parity to offset soaring costs. To address this issue, reforms are proposed, including allowing unrestricted wheat exports during harvest time, building strategic reserves, and recognizing the role of private stockists.