Pakistan Wheat Farmers Struggle Amid Government Inaction

In Pakistan, a bumper crop year has turned into a nightmare for wheat farmers as government inaction exacerbates their woes. Wheat prices in Punjab have dropped below the support price, causing distress among farmers who face challenges such as limited storage facilities, weather risks, and mounting debts.

The uncertainty surrounding government procurement has led to Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan raising concerns about the open market prices falling significantly below the set price floor. Small farmers, already burdened with the pressure of sustaining themselves and preparing for the next crop season, cannot afford to wait for bureaucratic delays.

The situation has reached a critical point where strikes and protests loom on the horizon if immediate action is not taken. The plummeting wheat prices not only threaten the livelihoods of farmers but also raise questions about the government's neglect of the agricultural sector.

Despite optimistic forecasts of a super crop, Pakistan has resorted to importing wheat at high prices, draining precious foreign exchange reserves. The parliament has rightly criticized the mishandling of such a vital commodity, emphasizing that the well-being of farmers should not be compromised for personal gains.

As the crisis deepens, urgent intervention is needed to prevent irreversible consequences and safeguard the interests of the farming community. The government must address the root causes of the problem and prioritize the support of farmers to avert a looming disaster.