LHC seeks Punjab govt response on wheat pricing petition

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has requested a response from the Punjab government and other concerned parties regarding a petition challenging the minimum support price and procurement policy for wheat until May 14. The petition, filed by petitioner-counsel Bilal Ahmad, argues that the minimum support price and procurement policy for wheat in 2023-2024 are allegedly in violation of several articles of the Constitution.

The petitioner-counsel highlighted that the minimum support price for wheat in 2023-2024 was set at Rs 3,900 per 40 kg, which, according to a report from the Agriculture Policy Institute, falls significantly below the estimated cultivation cost and overall yield. The petitioner emphasized that farmers are facing financial challenges, with the procurement target for wheat in 2024 reduced to 2 million metric tons from 3.5 million metric tons in 2023.

Despite the hard work put in by farmers, the current situation has left many struggling to meet their financial needs. The Lahore High Court bench, led by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi and Justice Anwaarul Haq Pannun, has called for a response from the Punjab government and other respondents by May 14 to address the concerns raised in the petition.