Govt eyes 6m-tonne wheat reserves, Rs4,500 support price

November 03, 2026 (MLN): The government has proposed a wheat support price of Rs4,500 per maund under its new National Wheat Policy, which also includes a strategy to maintain strategic reserves of up to six million metric tonnes to safeguard national requirements, Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research Rana Tanveer Hussain said.

Addressing the “Sarsabz Ki Jeet” event organised by Fatima Fertilizer to recognize high-performing wheat farmers, the minister commended farmers for achieving a wheat yield of 70 maunds per acre, calling it a remarkable achievement for the agricultural sector, according to the press release.

He said the improved yields reflected quality seeds, balanced fertilizer application and modern agricultural practices, adding that higher per-acre productivity would strengthen national food security and open opportunities for wheat exports and foreign exchange earnings.

He said the government’s agricultural priorities include raising per-acre productivity, reducing production costs, improving farmers’ incomes and strengthening food security.

Key initiatives include improved access to agricultural financing, approval of the National Seed Policy and the National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy, and the establishment of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority.

The minister added that the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) are advancing research through speed breeding, smart greenhouses and regenerative agriculture, with a focus on improving crop productivity, restoring soil health and ensuring efficient use of agricultural resources.

He appreciated Fatima Fertilizer’s contribution to farmer training, dissemination of modern agricultural knowledge and promotion of balanced fertilizer use.

He said the true success of private-sector investment in agriculture should be showed in improved farm productivity and higher farmer incomes.

He noted that almost all the winning farmers recognized through the initiative had secured provincial and district-level positions using Sarsabz Nitrophos and CAN fertilizers.

Sharing his positive personal experience with Sarsabz fertilizers, he highlighted the importance of quality agricultural inputs and effective technical guidance in improving crop yields.

Describing farmers as the true guardians of Pakistan’s food security, he said their prosperity is directly linked to the country’s agricultural and economic progress.

He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among the government, private sector, research institutions and farming communities so that the benefits of modern technologies, quality inputs and improved practices reach farmers across the country.

He also acknowledged the efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Provincial Minister for Agriculture Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Kirmani and the Punjab Agriculture Department in supporting the farming community.

He appreciated Fatima Fertilizer for organizing the event, saying such initiatives encourage innovation, promote modern agricultural practices and contribute to a productive and food-secure Pakistan.

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