World Bank develops roadmap to modernise wheat sector in Pakistan

The World Bank has developed a roadmap to modernise Pakistan’s wheat sector, focusing on five priority areas aimed at stimulating private sector investment, redirecting resources to core public goods, increasing farmer incomes, and creating new jobs.

The plan highlights the need to close the productivity gap between Pakistan and other wheat-producing countries, increase investment in agricultural research and innovation, empower smallholder farmers through access to finance and digital advisory services, improve institutional coordination and market transparency, and manage strategic grain reserves efficiently by moving away from large, costly storage facilities.

The report notes that traditional state-led policies, including minimum support prices, have created inefficiencies, high fiscal costs, and limited incentives for diversification. Overemphasis on wheat has negatively affected the production of pulses, oilseeds, and other nutritious crops, leading to poor dietary diversity and persistent malnutrition.

Experts stress that closing the yield gap will require better seed systems, balanced fertiliser use, and efficient water management. Supporting smallholder farmers through financial access, aggregation, and digital services is considered key to inclusive agricultural growth.

Additionally, improving the wheat market information system, strengthening interprovincial coordination, and maintaining strategic grain reserves only for emergencies will help stabilise prices and build market confidence. A modern, transparent, and competitive wheat sector will not only ensure food security but also increase rural incomes and drive long-term agricultural transformation in Pakistan.

Tags: Pakistan, wheat