LAHORE: Central President of the Pakistan Kissan Ittehad Khalid Mahmood Khokhar on Friday demanded the formation of an independent commission under the supervision of the Speaker Punjab Assembly to investigate massive losses incurred by farmers, particularly in the wheat sector, over the past three years. Addressing a press conference, Khokhar warned that farmers may be forced to take to the streets if their demands are not addressed within three days, stating that the agricultural community has been pushed to the brink due to flawed policies, administrative inefficiencies, and market distortions. He sharply criticized the government’s wheat procurement and pricing policies, claiming that the cost of wheat production reached Rs 3, 410 per maund in August 2024, while farmers were compelled to sell at significantly lower rates, around Rs 2, 700 in 2024 and Rs 2, 200 in 2025, resulting in cumulative losses estimated at Rs 2, 200 billion over the past two years. Khokhar alleged that the impact of wheat imports in 2023 continues to hurt local farmers, while policy inconsistencies, including failure to operationalise the Electronic Warehouse Receipt (EWR) system and delays in procurement by government-backed companies, have exacerbated the crisis. He claimed that as of April 24, no meaningful wheat procurement had taken place by official entities. Criticizing the role of regulatory bodies, he called for the immediate abolition of the food department operating under Salma Butt, the price control department, questioning its effectiveness and contribution. He further accused bureaucracy of undermining farmers’ interests, alleging coercive actions, including restrictions on wheat storage beyond 25 maunds and enforcement measures through administrative force. He also highlighted a widening gap between input costs and farm incomes, pointing to significant increases in fertilizer and electricity prices without corresponding support for farmers. According to him, many farmers are unable to afford essential inputs, adversely affecting crop yields. Khokhar linked wheat pricing directly to agricultural growth, claiming that when wheat prices reached Rs 3, 900 per maund, the sector recorded 6. 2 percent growth, whereas lower prices resulted in negative growth of 13 percent. He emphasized that wheat serves as the backbone of the agricultural economy and warned that continued neglect could have serious food security implications. Raising broader concerns, he stated that agricultural exports have declined sharply, citing a 90 percent drop in chili exports and a 42 percent reduction in fruits and vegetables, while the country’s agri trade deficit has widened by USD6 billion. He also lamented that farming is no longer a viable or respectable profession in Pakistan, discouraging the next generation from entering the sector. The farmers’ leader further alleged that last year wheat purchased at Rs 2, 000 per maund was later sold to flour mills at Rs 3, 500, indicating systemic inefficiencies and possible exploitation within the supply chain. Calling for accountability, he demanded a transparent inquiry into policy decisions and administrative actions over the past three years to identify those responsible for the crisis. “Pakistan’s economic stability and food security depend on its farmers, ” Khokhar said, adding that neglecting agriculture would have long-term consequences for the country. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Farmers demand probe into massive wheat losses
RELATED ARTICLES
