ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday set the indicative wheat support price for 2027 at Rs4,500 per maund (40kg), an increase of Rs1,000 from the rate fixed last year.
According to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the decision is aimed to support farmers, protect their economic interests and boost domestic wheat production.
“The government’s decision to raise the indicative price aims to provide farmers relief from rising production costs, higher fuel prices and inflationary pressures,” the PMO quoted the prime minister as saying.
He said providing farmers with an effective incentive to grow wheat was the key objective of the decision, adding that the new price was expected to help them cover production costs and earn a reasonable profit.
PM Shehbaz also okays livestock board restructuring, directs foot-and-mouth disease eradication plan
Mr Shehbaz said farmers had faced financial difficulties in recent years because of inflation and rising agricultural input costs, while Pakistan had also imported wheat over the past two years.
He said the higher indicative price would strengthen food security, encourage domestic production and promote stability in the agricultural sector. “The government expects the proposed rate to encourage farmers to devote more land and resources to wheat cultivation, potentially increasing sowing and output in the next season,” he added.
The prime minister acknowledged the guidance of President Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, as well as consultations with the chief ministers of Punjab and Sindh. He particularly thanked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her suggestions and contribution to the consultation process, and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah for his cooperation.
Mr Shehbaz expressed hope that 2027 would bring positive outcomes for the agricultural sector and prosperity for farmers. The proposed rate, however, remains Rs500 below the price demanded by farmers.
Last month, the Pakistan Kissan Ittehad called for a support price of Rs5,000 per 40kg, warning that farmers might not sow wheat in the next season if the government delayed announcing its crop policies.
The association said farmers could not afford balanced fertiliser use because they were unable to recover production costs.
Livestock board
Later, Mr Shehbaz approved the restructuring of the Livestock and Dairy Development Board, directing that its chairman and members be selected transparently and strictly on merit.
Presiding over a meeting on livestock sector reforms, he said the board should become an effective institution by inducting capable and experienced private-sector professionals, according to a separate PMO statement.
The prime minister directed the authorities concerned to prepare a comprehensive action plan to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease, with clear targets, measurable results and a fixed timeframe. He said the federal government was establishing a plant in Islamabad using its own resources to produce modern livestock vaccines.
He also called for engaging world-class consultants to develop the livestock and dairy sector and promoting partnerships with countries with expertise in the field. He said improvements in animal health, breeding, production and the value chain would help Pakistan realise its export potential, strengthen the rural economy and create jobs.
The meeting was briefed on the board’s restructuring, animal disease surveillance, vaccination, animal identification and traceability, and measures to increase meat and dairy exports.
Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2026
