THE decision to import wheat by the caretaker government has sparked a furore, rightly so, given the cascading effects it has had on the domestic wheat market. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for a fact-finding inquiry into this matter is not just timely but imperative to address the repercussions of this ill-timed decision.
Importing wheat when the domestic crop was on the brink of harvest was a glaring misjudgement. The consequence was a crash in wheat prices domestically, putting immense strain on the already burdened shoulders of our farmers. Despite the government setting a support price of thirty-nine hundred rupees per forty kilogram, wheat is being procured at a significantly lower rate of thirty-two hundred rupees, exacerbating the financial woes of our agricultural backbone. The need for accountability cannot be overstated. Identifying the responsible parties behind this blunder is just the first step. It is crucial that those implicated face appropriate consequences to deter such negligent actions in the future. We cannot afford a recurrence of such mismanagement, especially when it directly impacts the livelihoods of our farmers. Furthermore, both federal and provincial governments must prioritize the procurement of wheat at the fixed support price. Additionally, measures must be taken to ensure export of any excess wheat at an appropriate time while maintaining adequate reserves to safeguard against future shortages. Balancing the dynamics of supply and demand in the wheat market is paramount to the stability of our agricultural sector. In tandem with these efforts, the government must address the broader challenges faced by farmers. Bringing down the prices of essential inputs such as fertilizers is crucial to easing the financial burden on farmers and fostering a conducive environment for agricultural prosperity. Farmers are the backbone of our nation, and their well-being is intrinsically tied to the prosperity of our country as a whole. Hence needful should be done to facilitate them in every possible manner.
