Punjab Government Boosts Wheat Production with New Policy

Strategic Insights -

Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani and Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo led a review meeting in Rawalpindi, outlining the government's efforts to enhance wheat production and ensure food security in the province. The Wheat Policy 2025-26 has been approved, setting a wheat purchase price of Rs. 3,500 per 40 kg and a procurement target of 6.2 million metric tons for strategic reserves. The wheat cultivation target for Punjab this season is 16.5 million acres, with Rawalpindi Division aiming to cover 1.53 million acres.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Wheat Policy 2025-26 has been approved by both the federal and provincial governments, fixing the wheat purchase price at Rs. 3,500 per 40 kg and setting a procurement target of 6.2 million metric tons for strategic reserves.
  • The wheat cultivation target for Punjab this season is 16.5 million acres, with Rawalpindi Division specifically targeting 1.53 million acres.
  • Certified wheat seeds are available at Rs 5,500 per bag, and fertilizers are being provided at prices lower than the fixed rates.
  • Punjab contributes more than 70% to Pakistan's total wheat production, as highlighted by Member of National Assembly Tahira Aurangzeb.
  • The government's Agriculture Transformation Plan in the Potohar region, worth Rs 7 billion, aims to strengthen agricultural development and improve the rural economy.
  • Divisional and district administrations are actively supporting the wheat sowing campaign and ensuring its success, according to Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Muhammad Aamir Khattak.
  • Favorable weather conditions for rain-fed areas are expected to bolster wheat production in the province and contribute to national food security.

Statistics:

  • Wheat purchase price: Rs. 3,500 per 40 kg
  • Procurement target for strategic reserves: 6.2 million metric tons
  • Wheat cultivation target for Punjab: 16.5 million acres
  • Rawalpindi Division's wheat cultivation target: 1.53 million acres
  • Contribution of Punjab to Pakistan's total wheat production: more than 70%
  • Cost of Agriculture Transformation Plan in Potohar region: Rs 7 billion

Sources:

  • (No specific date mentioned) Punjab Agriculture Minister visits divisional headquarters as part of wheat sowing campaign. [1]
  • Punjab agriculture secretary shares details on government's agricultural initiatives. [1]
  • Member of National Assembly emphasizes significance of wheat for national food security. [1]