Punjab Govt Caps Wheat Price, Buys Directly from Farmers

• News By : Web Desk
• 2025-10-09 03:27:30

LAHORE: 09.10.2025: The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has reversed its free-market wheat policy by agreeing to procure wheat from farmers at Rs3,500 per maund, ending its market reform approach.

This decision came after floods in southern Punjab disrupted supply chains, causing wheat prices to spike to Rs4,000 per maund amid unchecked profiteering. The government responded by capping wheat prices at Rs3,000 and restricting wheat movement under the Essential Commodities Act 2024.

In a high-level meeting, officials assured the chief minister that Punjab has sufficient wheat reserves for the upcoming season. Maryam Nawaz emphasized her commitment to supporting farmers, highlighting recent initiatives such as distributing 1,000 free tractors and providing subsidized seeds and fertilisers under the Kisan Card scheme.

While the government aims to empower farmers and promote sustainable agriculture, industry experts warn that renewed government control may revive inefficiencies and rent-seeking linked to the old quota-based system.

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