ISLAMABAD: The federal government has set an illustrative wheat procurement price at Rs3,500 per 40 kilograms and has sensitised the provinces to ensure the smooth implementation of the procurement drive during the upcoming harvesting season.

The current procurement framework will remain applicable for one year, as the federal government is working on a comprehensive long-term wheat policy for 2026-2030, aimed at strengthening national food security through modern reforms, Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain said while chairing a meeting of the national wheat oversight committee on Saturday.

Mr Tanveer highlighted that the upcoming policy will focus on digital traceability mechanisms, improved supply chain monitoring, enhanced transparency, and sustained price stability, enabling better coordination between the federal and provincial governments.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding food security, the minister stated that coordinated federal-provincial efforts will continue to ensure stable wheat availability, protect farmers’ interests, and maintain affordable prices for consumers across the country.

Senior officials of the federal and provincial governments gave detailed briefings on procurement preparedness, stock positions, and supply management strategies ahead of the upcoming harvesting season.

During the meeting, provinces shared updates on their respective procurement strategies. The Khyber Pakhtun­khwa government has adopted a hybrid wheat procurement model comprising 75 per cent public sector participation and 25pc private sector involvement to enhance efficiency and market responsiveness.

The Sindh government informed the committee that wheat procurement will be carried out through the public sector to ensure a stable supply and price management.

The committee was informed that adequate wheat stocks are currently available in all provinces to meet national consumption requirements until the arrival of the new crop. The federal government reiterated that there is no risk of wheat shortage in Pakistan, and coordinated measures are in place to ensure an uninterrupted supply across markets.

Special emphasis was also placed on consumer protection during the holy month of Ramazan. The minister directed all provinces to ensure strict market monitoring and take effective administrative measures to prevent any unnecessary increase in flour prices.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2026