Pakistan Wheat Shortage Exposes Flaws in Grain Policy

Pakistan's decision to import 1 million tons of wheat to replenish strategic reserves has exposed weaknesses in the country's grain policy, analysts say.

The move comes just three months after harvest, despite earlier government claims that a 29.8 million-ton crop and more than 2 million tons of carryover stocks would be enough to satisfy domestic demand.

Domestic wheat prices have climbed from 3,300 to 4,700 Pakistani rupees per 40 kg, rising above import parity, pointing to a significant imbalance between supply and demand.

Experts attribute the shortage to lower yields caused by reduced phosphate fertilizer use, heat waves, and crop lodging during the final stages of growth.