PM Shehbaz sets indicative wheat price at Rs4,500 per maund for 2027

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set an indicative wheat price of Rs4,500 per 40kg maund for 2027, an increase of

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set an indicative wheat price of Rs4,500 per 40kg maund for 2027, an increase of Rs1,000 from the rate announced last year. The decision aims to support farmers facing higher production costs, encourage wheat cultivation and strengthen Pakistan’s food security.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the proposed price was determined in view of rising agricultural expenses, fuel costs and inflation. The decision was taken following consultations with President Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Nawaz Sharif and the chief ministers of Punjab and Sindh.

The prime minister said the revised rate was intended to provide financial relief to farmers and encourage them to grow more wheat during the upcoming season. He expressed hope that the price would help growers recover their production expenses while earning a reasonable profit.

Shehbaz noted that farmers had faced financial challenges in recent years because of inflation and rising input costs. Pakistan had also imported wheat during the previous two years, highlighting the need to strengthen domestic production and reduce dependence on external supplies.

The government expects the proposed price to encourage farmers to expand wheat cultivation and improve national output. The initiative is also intended to support the agricultural economy, improve farmers’ livelihoods and strengthen the country’s ability to meet its food requirements through local production.

The prime minister acknowledged the cooperation of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah during consultations on the decision.

However, the proposed rate remains below the demand of farmers’ representatives. Last month, the Pakistan Kissan Ittehad called for a support price of Rs5,000 per 40kg, warning that growers could reconsider sowing wheat if the government failed to announce a suitable price and clear crop policy in time.

The association had argued that farmers were struggling to afford balanced fertiliser use because their earnings were not covering production costs.

Meanwhile, the Sindh government has taken steps to manage flour prices and ensure adequate supplies. In early October, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah approved the release of government wheat at Rs12,500 per 100kg bag from October 15.

Earlier this month, Shehbaz chaired the first meeting of the National Agricultural and Food Security Council, where he stressed the need to ensure fair returns for farmers while keeping wheat affordable for consumers.

During the meeting, the prime minister said Pakistan had sufficient wheat stocks to meet domestic requirements and warned that strict action would be taken against hoarders.