Pakistan's Wheat Import Sparks Farmer Anger Amid Production Shortfalls

The federal government's decision to import one million tonnes of wheat has sparked outrage among farmers and agricultural experts in Pakistan. The country, which produces around 31 million tonnes of wheat annually, is being criticized for its continued dependence on imported grain despite being a major wheat producer.

Punjab, the country's largest wheat-producing province, contributes almost three-fourths of national production. However, farmers are struggling to sell their recently harvested wheat due to low prices, with many claiming they receive rates below their production costs after spending heavily on seeds, fertiliser, pesticides, diesel and electricity.

The issue is not just about wheat availability, but also linked to weak planning, inaccurate crop estimates, poor storage facilities, post-harvest losses, and inconsistent government policies. Farmer organisations have strongly opposed the import decision, arguing that locally produced wheat should be purchased at fair rates before turning to international markets.