Govt Approves Rs. 4,500 Per Maund Wheat Support Price to Boost Local Production

ISLAMABAD: In a major relief measure aimed at encouraging local agricultural output and supporting farmers across the country, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved an indicative wheat support price of Rs. 4,500 per maund (40 kg) for the upcoming 2027 crop season.

This decision marks a significant increase of Rs. 1,000 per maund compared to last year’s rate of Rs. 3,500. The announcement reflects the federal government’s commitment to prioritizing domestic agriculture over foreign grain imports.

Key Highlights of the Announcement

• Rs. 1,000 Increase: The price has been enhanced from last season’s Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 4,500 per 40 kg.
• Encouraging Local Farmers: Federal authorities emphasized that imported wheat costs around Rs. 4,500 per 40kg, making domestic procurement at this price a far more sustainable strategy.
• Strategic Reserves: The government has issued directives to manage wheat procurement and maintain strategic national reserves of up to 6 million metric tonnes to ensure food security.

Farmer Community Reactions

While the Rs. 1,000 increase has been welcomed as a step in the right direction, various farmer associations had requested a support price of Rs. 5,000 per maund to cover the rising costs of fertilizers, electricity, and fuel.

Federal officials noted that provincial governments are being aligned to ensure effective implementation and smooth market distribution as the sowing season progresses.