The prime minister calls for setting wheat prices before sowing, warns against hoarding and highlights measures to support farmers and boost agricultural exports.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said the government will determine the price of wheat in consultation with provincial governments, aiming to ensure fair returns for farmers while keeping the commodity affordable for consumers.
Chairing the first meeting of the National Agriculture and Food Security Council (NAFSC) on Tuesday, the prime minister described agriculture as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, saying the sector had the potential to accelerate economic development in a short period.
“We want farmers to get the right price for wheat and consumers to avail of affordable wheat. The decision regarding the price of wheat will be made in consultation with the provinces,” the prime minister said, according to a press release issued by the PM Office Media Wing.
Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the availability of wheat to meet domestic requirements and warned that strict action would be taken against those involved in hoarding the commodity.
He stressed that ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce, particularly for small and medium-scale farmers, was a government priority. He also emphasised the need to determine the wheat price before the sowing season so farmers could make informed decisions and receive appropriate compensation for their efforts.
The prime minister said the federal government would extend all possible cooperation to provincial administrations to promote agricultural development. Priorities include providing farmers with affordable fertiliser, quality seeds, modern machinery and equipment, as well as technical support to improve water utilisation.
He also highlighted the livestock sector’s potential to boost national exports, saying the government was taking steps to increase Pakistan’s halal meat exports.
The prime minister praised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for initiatives aimed at supporting farmers, including aquaculture, shrimp farming and direct subsidies through the Kisan Card. He also appreciated the Sindh government’s efforts to promote agricultural development and improve facilities for farmers.
During the meeting, the Punjab chief minister and Sindh’s agriculture minister outlined initiatives undertaken by their respective provincial governments. Officials also briefed participants on agricultural development measures in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, advisers, provincial representatives and senior officials attended the meeting.
The council’s deliberations focused on improving agricultural productivity, supporting farmers and strengthening food security through coordination between the federal and provincial governments.