Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain announced on Thursday that the minimum support price (MSP), or procurement price, for wheat will be fixed above Rs 4,000 per 40 kg for the upcoming Rabi season 2026–27. The measure is intended to incentivize farmers, guarantee fair financial returns, and protect national food security.
The minister disclosed this during a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, chaired by MNA Syed Hussain Tariq, where lawmakers reviewed the proposed National Wheat Policy 2026–2030 and upcoming subsidy models for fertilizers.
Key Highlights & Policy Developments
- Push for Rs 5,000/40kg: Despite the ministry’s baseline proposal, the NA Standing Committee unanimously urged the federal government to fix the procurement price at Rs 5,000 per 40 kg and announce it well ahead of the sowing season.
- National Wheat Policy 2026–2030: Following consultations with provincial governments and stakeholders, the ministry has finalized the draft policy and submitted it to the Prime Minister’s Office for final approval.
- Deregulated Framework: Under the Interim National Wheat Policy 2025–26, the wheat sector has been deregulated, meaning the federal government is no longer obligated to conduct routine public procurement. However, an illustrative price aligned with international parity will serve as a strong market signal to encourage wheat cultivation.
- DAP Fertilizer Subsidies: Acknowledging that wheat growers faced severe financial hardship over the past two years, Minister Rana Tanveer assured targeted DAP subsidies. He noted varying provincial approaches: Punjab plans support via the Kissan Card, Sindh will assist farmers holding up to 25 acres, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will provide an in-kind subsidy of Rs 5,000.
- Trade & Export Prospects: Committee members highlighted that a higher procurement price could generate exportable wheat surpluses. The minister added that talks are underway with Iran and Saudi Arabia regarding rice exports, alongside anticipated trade opportunities under the GCC Free Trade Framework.
- Crackdown on Hoarding: The parliamentary panel demanded strict action against hoarders responsible for artificial price hikes in DAP and other essential fertilizers.
- Seed (Amendment) Bill 2026: Consideration of the proposed Seed (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was deferred until the next committee session with the consent of the minister.
