Pakistan approves wheat policy for MY 2025/26

The Pakistani government has unveiled its Wheat Policy for the 2025/26 marketing year, aimed at ensuring fair prices for farmers and maintaining stable strategic reserves to protect national food security. The policy, announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office, involves federal and provincial governments procuring around 6.2 million tons of wheat from the upcoming crop.

Procurement will be conducted at Rs3,500 ($12) per maund (approximately 40 kg), aligned with international import prices, guaranteeing farmers’ profits while preserving market competitiveness. “The government is well aware of the difficulties faced by farmers,” Sharif stated during a meeting with provincial representatives and stakeholders.

The policy follows devastating floods in Punjab province—Pakistan’s breadbasket—that destroyed 30% of the country’s wheat stocks. Ranked as the world’s eighth-largest wheat producer by the USDA, Pakistan harvested 31.4 million tons last year, accounting for 4% of global production. Agriculture contributes 24% to the nation’s GDP.

USDA forecasts this year’s wheat output at 28.9 million tons from 9.1 million hectares—an 8% decline from last year. The new policy unites federal and provincial efforts to bolster the agricultural economy, with National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain leading a committee to oversee implementation.

The policy eliminates inter-provincial movement restrictions on wheat to ensure nationwide availability. “This policy will play a significant role in securing food for Pakistan’s people,” the Prime Minister’s office emphasized.

Tags: Pakistan, wheat