Pakistan faces wheat crisis amid agricultural policy failures

Pakistan could face a renewed wheat market crisis due to policy failures, weak planning, and insufficient government grain procurement. Representatives of the Markazi Kisan League (MKL) warn that without urgent action, wheat and flour prices will continue to rise, forcing the country to increase imports.

According to MKL leaders, one of the main causes of the crisis was the abolition of the wheat support price mechanism under reforms linked to the IMF program. In addition, provincial governments failed to meet their wheat procurement targets during the current harvest. Punjab purchased only about 480 thsd tons of wheat against a target of 3 mln tons, while Sindh procured only about 200 thsd tons, significantly reducing the country’s strategic reserves.

The farmers’ organization also noted that Pakistan imported nearly 3.5 mln tons of wheat worth more than USD 1 bln last year, yet the country is still facing an estimated wheat deficit of around 3.5 mln tons. If the situation persists, the government may be forced to import additional wheat, putting further pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

MKL warned that wheat prices could climb to PKR 6,000 (USD 21.5) per maund (about 40 kg), driving up the cost of flour and other staple foods. The organization said it had repeatedly warned the authorities about the risk of a wheat shortage, but no timely action was taken.

Amid the worsening situation, federal and provincial officials have held another meeting to address wheat supplies. Punjab requested 1 mln tons of wheat from federal reserves, while Sindh asked for at least 220 thsd tons. The government is also considering new wheat imports, although a final decision has been postponed until updated demand estimates are received from all provinces.

Tags: Pakistan, wheat