The federal government has approved the National Wheat Policy 2025-26, aimed at ensuring fair prices for farmers, maintaining stable reserves, and strengthening Pakistan’s food security, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Sunday.
A high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was held to finalize the policy. The meeting was attended by the chief ministers of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, a representative of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, and the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, along with other key stakeholders.
Emphasizing the importance of wheat for Pakistan’s agricultural economy, the Prime Minister said, “Wheat is not only the staple food of our people but also the biggest source of income for our farmers. Farmers are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, and the government is fully committed to their welfare.”
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that the policy was developed after detailed consultations with provincial governments, farmers’ organizations, industrialists, and the farming community to ensure a broad-based consensus.
Under the new policy, the federal and provincial governments will procure about 6.2 million tonnes of wheat from the 2025-26 crop at a support price of Rs 3,500 per maund, aligned with international import rates. This measure is designed to guarantee farmers a fair return while keeping the market competitive.
The policy also removes restrictions on inter-provincial movement of wheat, ensuring smooth supply across the country. To oversee implementation, a National Wheat Monitoring Committee—chaired by the Federal Minister for National Food Security and including representatives from all provinces—will meet weekly and report directly to the Prime Minister.
Appreciating the cooperation of provincial governments in formulating the policy, the Prime Minister said the new framework would not only uplift farmers’ incomes but also play a vital role in achieving national food security and agricultural growth.
“Inshallah, this policy will promote agricultural development, increase farmers’ income, and ensure food security for the people of Pakistan,” the Prime Minister added.