In response to mounting grievances from farmers across the nation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday swiftly took action issuing directives for the federal government to expedite the procurement of wheat.
In a bid to alleviate the concerns of agricultural stakeholders, the Prime Minister has not only elevated the federal procurement target from 1.4 lakh tonnes to 1.8 lakh metric tonnes but has also urged the Pakistan Agricultural Storage & Services Corporation (PASCO) to promptly engage in wheat purchases by the revised quota.
Transparency has been underscored as a cornerstone of this procurement process, with Shehbaz Sharif emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity and fairness in all transactions. This move comes amidst reports of discontent among farmers, who have voiced their dismay over the prevailing wheat prices, which fall short of their expectations.
Despite the Punjab government's fixed price of Rs 3,900 per maund, farmers lament having to sell their produce at a considerably lower rate of Rs 3,200 per maund.
While the Punjab Food Department previously announced an existing stock of 2.3 lakh tonnes of wheat in government storehouses, concerns over pricing differentials persist.
To address these complexities and chart a comprehensive policy framework, a dedicated three-member ministerial committee has been tasked with formulating and presenting a cohesive strategy for wheat procurement.
