Pakistan rules out wheat imports, assures adequate stocks for 2025–26

August 28, 2025 (MLN):  The Government of Pakistan has reaffirmed that it  will not import wheat this year as existing reserves are sufficient to meet national demand while emphasizing food self-sufficiency and farmer welfare.

The assurance came during the 8th Wheat Board meeting, where national wheat availability was reported at 33.47 million metric tons (MMT) against a requirement of 33.58 MMT, leaving only a marginal shortfall of 0.11 MMT.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, stressed that the gap is insignificant and there is “no alarming situation” regarding the country’s wheat stocks.

The government emphasized that protecting farmers remains its foremost priority, not middlemen or speculative markets. It confirmed that urea and other critical inputs are sufficiently available for the upcoming Rabi season 2025–26, while domestic fertilizer prices are being strictly monitored to shield farmers from rising global rates.

Cautioning against abrupt provincial actions that could trigger market panic, the federal minister called for closer coordination between provinces and the center to ensure smooth agricultural policy implementation under the devolved setup of the 18th Constitutional Amendment.

The meeting also highlighted long-term food security strategies, focusing on higher per-acre wheat yield, improved technology, and reduced production costs through farmer support programs.

The Ministry stated that in close collaboration with provinces, it will take all necessary steps to safeguard the interests of farmers and ensure uninterrupted food supplies for the people of Pakistan.

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