The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has recently made a significant decision regarding the procurement of wheat, a staple crop crucial for the sustenance of its population.
In a bid to support local agriculture and alleviate the financial burdens faced by farmers, the provincial authorities have opted to purchase a substantial quantity of 300 thousand metric tons of locally grown wheat.
This pivotal decision was disclosed by the provincial Food Minister, Zahir Shah Toro, who elaborated on the specifics of the plan. Notably, the government has set the price of wheat at Rs3900 per maund, signaling its commitment to ensuring fair compensation for farmers.
With an allocation of 29 billion rupees earmarked for this initiative, the government aims to streamline the procurement process and expedite the acquisition of wheat from local producers.
Importantly, this endeavor is expected to yield significant cost savings, with an estimated Rs9 billion set to be preserved through the procurement of wheat at the local level. Such prudent fiscal management acknowledges the government’s dedication to optimizing resources and fostering economic stability within the region.
This announcement holds particular significance against the backdrop of ongoing challenges faced by farmers, especially in neighboring Punjab. Reports indicate that delays in wheat procurement have forced farmers to resort to selling their produce in urban centers, exacerbating their financial hardships.
In response, various farmer organizations have scheduled protests outside the Punjab Assembly on April 29, highlighting the urgency of addressing the pressing issues confronting the agricultural sector.
Thus, the proactive stance taken by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government not only acknowledges its commitment to supporting local agriculture but also serves as a timely intervention to mitigate the adverse effects of delays in wheat procurement, thereby safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring food security for its populace.
