The growing wheat crisis in Punjab has intensified as farmers have warned of protests if their demands are not addressed within three days. The situation highlights serious concerns over wheat prices, policy decisions, and financial losses faced by farmers in Pakistan.
Speaking on the issue, Khalid Mahmood Khokhar stated that farmers have suffered losses of around Rs. 2,200 billion over the past two years. He blamed policy failures, low wheat prices, and administrative mismanagement for the ongoing crisis.
Farmers are demanding the formation of an independent commission to investigate the wheat sector. According to the proposal, the commission should be headed by the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly and review developments from the past three years to determine responsibility.
The main concern remains the wheat support price, as farmers claim that the cost of production reached Rs. 3,410 per maund in 2024, while they were forced to sell at Rs. 2,700, with prices dropping further to Rs. 2,200 in 2025. This gap has significantly impacted farmer income.
Another major issue raised is the lack of procurement by private companies selected by the government. Farmers say that despite announcements, no effective wheat procurement has taken place, leaving them without proper market support.
The farmers have also criticized the role of the Price Control Department, alleging that instead of helping, it has created additional difficulties for them. There are also concerns about past decisions, including wheat imports in 2023, which are still affecting the local market.
In addition, initiatives like the Electronic Warehouse Receipt (EWR) system have not been implemented effectively, further limiting options for farmers to manage and store their produce.
With tensions rising, the warning of protests reflects growing frustration among farmers, who are demanding immediate action and policy correction to stabilize the wheat sector in Punjab.
