National Assembly committee urges early wheat policy, lower input costs and stronger storage and export arrangements for farmers.
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research has recommended fixing the minimum support price (MSP) of wheat at Rs5,000 per 40kg or above, while calling for a uniform subsidy mechanism for farmers across Pakistan.
The committee, which met under the chairmanship of Syed Hussain Tariq on Thursday, also stressed that the National Wheat Policy 2026–30 should be finalised and announced before the wheat sowing season. Members noted that decisions taken after sowing would have limited practical benefit for farmers.
The committee raised concerns over rising input costs, inadequate mechanisation, poor-quality seeds, limited agricultural research, insufficient storage and weak export performance. It called for timely and coordinated agricultural policies to improve farmers’ profitability.
The Minister for National Food Security and Research briefed members on the proposed wheat policy and subsidy options. He said consultations with provincial governments would be held within a week, with the policy to be announced before sowing.
Members called for a simple and accessible subsidy system. The committee was informed that Punjab was considering support through the Kissan Card, Sindh was providing assistance to farmers with holdings of up to 25 acres, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa planned an in-kind subsidy of Rs5,000.
The committee also expressed concern over wheat storage and marketing arrangements following the closure of PASSCO. Members said limited storage options and advance payment requirements by private facilities could increase financial pressure on farmers.
The committee called for measures to reduce fertiliser and other input costs and urged action against hoarders accused of artificially increasing DAP and other fertiliser prices.
It also discussed rice exports, with officials expecting a good crop and highlighting potential opportunities in Saudi Arabia, Iran and Gulf markets.
The committee further deferred consideration of the Seed (Amendment) Bill, 2026 until its next meeting and directed the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority to brief members on its progress and submit the required rules and regulations.