Wheat pricing is the biggest farm issue this sowing season. On October 13, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the first meeting of the National Agricultural and Food Security Council (NAFSC) in Islamabad. He said the wheat price would be set before sowing. Meanwhile, a large farmer alliance has called nationwide protests for October 18.
What the government said
The Prime Minister said wheat "was available in abundant quantities to meet domestic needs" and that "no leniency will be shown to those hoarding wheat." He said the aim is for farmers to get a fair price for wheat and for consumers to have affordable flour. According to Dawn, the price will be announced "shortly", once talks with the provincial governments are finished.
The provinces have also acted on flour prices:
- The Sindh Chief Minister approved selling government wheat at Rs12,500 per 100kg from October 15.
- Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz approved Rs10 billion in subsidies so that flour stays affordable.
Farmers' demands
The Pakistan Kisan Rabita Committee (PKRC) is a federation of 36 farmer organisations from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh. It has called protests across the country on October 18. Its main demands are:
- A wheat support price of Rs5,000 per maund, announced before sowing
- A sugarcane support price of Rs700 per 40kg
- An end to private wheat procurement, with Passco and provincial food departments buying wheat again
- Subsidised inputs and easier credit for small and medium farmers
- State oversight of sugar mill payments, and farmer representatives in policy decisions
PKRC President Tariq Mahmood said farmers spend heavily on seed, fertiliser, pesticides and diesel, but when the crop is ready they are "forced to run from pillar to post" to get a fair price. In September, the Pakistan Kissan Ittehad also asked for Rs5,000 per 40kg. It warned that farmers might not plant wheat if the policy was not announced in time.
What it means for farmers
Wheat sowing is about to start, and there is still no official price. The government has promised a decision after consulting the provinces, but has not given a date or a figure. Growers planning their wheat area, seed, fertiliser and machinery costs should watch for the announcement in the coming days. They should also follow the outcome of the October 18 protests, which could affect the final decision on the price and on procurement.
