Markazi Kisan League (MKL) Chairman Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali Olakh and President Muhammad Ashfaq Warraich have warned that Pakistan’s wheat crisis is worsening due to flawed agricultural policies, weak planning and administrative failures. They cautioned that unless immediate corrective measures are taken, wheat and flour prices are likely to rise further, placing a greater burden on consumers.
In a joint statement, the leaders said the current crisis stems largely from the abolition of the wheat support price mechanism under International Monetary Fund (IMF)-related reforms and the failure of provincial governments to procure sufficient wheat from farmers during the current season. They noted that Punjab procured only 480,000 tonnes against its target of three million tonnes, while Sindh purchased around 200,000 tonnes, leaving national wheat reserves under severe pressure. They further stated that Pakistan spent more than $1 billion last year importing nearly 3.5 million tonnes of wheat, yet the country still faces an estimated 3.5 million-tonne shortfall. If the present situation continues, they warned, additional imports will become unavoidable, placing further strain on the national economy and foreign exchange reserves.
The MKL leaders said the party had repeatedly warned the government months ago about the possibility of a wheat shortage, but the relevant authorities failed to take timely action. As a result, wheat prices have increased significantly over the past month. They cautioned that prices could rise to Rs6,000 per maund, making flour and bread increasingly unaffordable for ordinary citizens.
Olakh and Warraich called on the federal and provincial governments to fix responsibility for the crisis and formulate a comprehensive wheat policy on an emergency basis. They urged the restoration of an effective wheat procurement system and the adoption of coordinated long-term measures to safeguard Pakistan’s food security and protect farmers and consumers. It is pertinent to mention that the federal and provincial governments met on Monday for the second time to avert the brewing crisis after the two largest producing provinces declared shortages and sought releases from federal reserves to arrest soaring prices.
Punjab has demanded one million tonnes from the federal government, while Sindh has asked for a minimum 220,000 tonnes from federal stocks currently available in godowns in the province, officials who attended the meeting told The Express Tribune.
The shortages, particularly in Punjab and Sindh – the country’s food baskets – are rooted in two decisions: ending the wheat support price two years ago under an IMF condition without creating a credible alternative arrangement, and the failure of both provinces to procure wheat from farmers this year.
Headed by Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, the meeting reviewed the possibility of importing the commodity but deferred a final decision until all four provinces submit their final demands for wheat.
This was the second meeting in five days between federal and provincial representatives, with another expected in the next 24 hours amid a 6% increase in wheat and flour prices.Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express TribuneOur CorrespondentRead More