Pakistan may face a wheat supply gap of up to 3 million tons. The Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) has warned of the possible shortage.
The group said the situation could force Pakistan to spend around $1.2 billion on wheat imports. It urged the government to take urgent steps before the next Rabi season.
PKI President Khalid Mahmood Khokhar raised the concerns during a press conference. He called for immediate action from both federal and provincial authorities.
Khokhar blamed weak government policies for the decline in domestic wheat production. He claimed farmers suffered losses of around Rs. 2,200 billion over the past three years.
He also pointed to several international challenges affecting food supplies. These include the Gulf conflict, Strait of Hormuz disruptions and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Rising Production and Import Costs
The PKI said higher diesel prices have increased farming costs. Rising tube well electricity tariffs have also added pressure on farmers.
International shipping delays have further increased import expenses. These factors could make a potential Wheat Shortfall more costly for the country.
The group warned that Pakistan could face both supply problems and foreign exchange pressure. It urged authorities to introduce corrective measures before farmers begin Rabi cultivation.
Farmers Seek Wheat Support Price
The PKI has demanded the restoration of the wheat support price. It wants the rate increased to Rs. 4,702 per 40 kilograms.
According to the organization, farmers currently face a net production cost of Rs. 3,761 per 40 kilograms. It said the proposed price includes a standard 25 percent profit margin.
The group believes the measure could encourage farmers to cultivate unused agricultural land. It has set a target of achieving a wheat harvest of 31 million tons.
The PKI urged the prime minister to announce the procurement policy soon. It also called on the National Food Security minister to take immediate action.
The organization wants the support price announced by the end of August. It said farmers need enough time to plan their Rabi crops.
Fertilizer Subsidy Concerns
The PKI also proposed changes to the fertilizer subsidy system. It wants future subsidies to be based on nutrient content.
The organization said subsidies should cover all phosphatic fertilizers. It opposed limiting support only to DAP fertilizer.
The PKI referred to a March 2022 decision by the Economic Coordination Committee. That decision covered different grades of phosphatic fertilizers.
The group said around 80 percent of farmers use alternatives to DAP. These include Nitrophos, TSP, SSP, MAP, NP, NPS and NPK fertilizers.
According to the PKI, limiting subsidies to DAP could create market problems. It warned that such a policy could encourage black-market speculation.
The group also said Pakistan could spend more foreign exchange on DAP imports. It claimed local supplies of alternative phosphatic fertilizers are currently sufficient.
These supplies, it said, can meet requirements for the 2026-27 crop cycle.
Urgent Action Needed
The PKI has urged the government to address the possible Wheat Shortfall before the Rabi season begins. It believes early policy decisions can support farmers and protect domestic production.
The organization warned that delayed action could increase import requirements. It could also place additional pressure on Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves.
In other news read more about Sindh Government Announces Wheat Support Price for This Season
The government has yet to announce the requested wheat support price. Farmers are now seeking clear procurement and pricing policies before planting begins.
