Farmers across Pakistan are in open revolt against the government’s newly announced wheat price. They have firmly rejected the rate of Rs. 3,500 per 40kg, declaring it insufficient for their survival.
Major agricultural associations, including the Pakistan Kissan Ittehad, Kissan Board Pakistan, and Farmers Associates Pakistan, are leading the protest. They are demanding a significant increase, pushing the support price to Rs. 5,000 per maund (40kg). Their warning is stark: if the government does not revise the rate, they may be forced to halt wheat cultivation altogether.
UK Announces £1.33 Million Flood Relief Package for Pakistan
The core of the farmers’ anger lies in the skyrocketing cost of production. They argue that the current price does not even cover their basic expenses for fertilizer, fuel, pesticides, and seeds. Making matters worse, the decision was made without any consultation with the growers, ignoring the severe economic struggles they are facing, particularly after devastating flood losses.
Farmers warn that this low price will make growing wheat completely unprofitable. This would leave them at the mercy of middlemen and could lead to a severe shortage of the staple grain next season, directly threatening the country’s food security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the current government wheat price?
The government has set the support price at Rs. 3,500 for a 40kg bag (known as a maund).
2. What price are the farmers demanding?
Farmers’ associations are demanding a price of Rs. 5,000 per 40kg bag to cover their rising costs.
3. Why are farmers rejecting the government’s price?
They say it does not cover the high cost of inputs like fertilizer, fuel, and seeds. After recent flood losses, the price makes farming economically unviable for them.
4. What is the farmers’ main threat?
Major farmer groups have warned that if the price is not increased, they may stop cultivating wheat in the coming season.
5. How could this affect the general public?
If farmers follow through on their threat, it could lead to a drastic reduction in the local wheat supply, causing shortages and driving up the price of flour and bread for everyone, threatening national food security.
