Brief
Pakistan panel urges Rs 5,000 wheat support price ahead of sowing season
The committee called for a uniform subsidy scheme and fast‑track finalisation of the National Wheat Policy 2026‑2030.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research recommended on Thursday that the minimum support price (MSP) for wheat be set at Rs 5,000 per 40 kg or higher, according to dailytimes.com.pk.
What happened
The committee, chaired by Syed Tariq Hussain, discussed the pending National Wheat Policy 2026‑2030 and urged that it be finalised before the wheat sowing season begins, warning that post‑sowing decisions would have little impact. Members highlighted rising input costs, weak mechanisation, poor‑quality seeds, limited research, inadequate storage, and uneven provincial subsidies as major challenges.
What the reports add
The panel noted that Punjab is considering support through a Kissan Card, Sindh is assisting farmers with up to 25 acres, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa plans an in‑kind subsidy of Rs 5,000. It also raised concerns about storage after the closure of PASSCO, noting that private facilities often require advance payments, adding financial pressure on farmers.
What was said
The Minister for National Food Security and Research briefed the committee on last year’s interim wheat policy, the proposed 2026‑2030 policy, and various subsidy models. He said consultations with all provincial governments would be held within a week to finalise the policy and that it would be announced before sowing.
How it came about
The committee’s call follows ongoing debates over agricultural subsidies and the need for a coordinated national approach, echoing earlier Felo coverage of regional policy differences in South Asian agriculture.
Key facts
- The committee recommended a wheat MSP of Rs 5,000 per 40 kg. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have different subsidy approaches. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- The National Wheat Policy 2026‑2030 is to be finalised before the sowing season. (dailytimes.com.pk)
Sources
- [1] dailytimes.com.pk — originally reported as “NA panel recommends Rs 5,000 per 40kg wheat support price”
