Govt to Announce Fair Wheat Prices Soon

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the government would soon unveil new wheat prices following discussions with provincial leaders. Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the National Agriculture and Food Security Council in Islamabad, Sharif emphasized the importance of ensuring farmers receive fair compensation while maintaining affordable wheat for consumers.

He stressed that wheat prices should be set before the sowing season to provide farmers with the necessary compensation for their labor. Pakistan currently possesses ample wheat stocks to satisfy domestic demands. Sharif cautioned against hoarders and emphasized agriculture's pivotal role in the national economy, highlighting its potential to spur short-term economic growth.

The government pledged its full support to provinces in advancing agricultural development, prioritizing initiatives such as offering affordable fertilizers, high-quality seeds, advanced machinery, and skills training for efficient water utilization. Ensuring equitable crop prices, particularly for small and medium-sized farmers, was also a primary goal.

Sharif further addressed the livestock sector's export potential and the government's efforts to boost Pakistani halal meat exports. He lauded the Punjab and Sindh governments' farmer support measures, including aquaculture, shrimp farming, and direct subsidies via the Kisan Card program. Provincial leaders, including the Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Sindh Agriculture Minister Makhdoom Mahboob Zaman, along with senior officials, attended the meeting, along with federal ministers Ishaq Dar, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Musadik Malik, Jam Kamal Khan, Ahsan Iqbal, and Attaullah Tarar.