Federal Committee Delays Wheat Output Targets Amid Price Finalization

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA) has postponed the setting of wheat production targets for the upcoming Rabi season, as the sowing period approaches. The decision came during a meeting chaired by Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, who indicated that targets would only be established following the announcement of an illustrative price for wheat.

In a press release, the ministry emphasized the importance of determining a price before finalizing production goals. Recently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assigned an eight-member committee to propose policy measures aimed at ensuring sufficient wheat production this season. This committee includes key figures such as the minister for national food security, provincial agriculture ministers, and the chairman of the Pakistan Banking Association.

Hussain acknowledged the difficulties faced by farmers, citing rising costs of inputs, energy, and transportation as significant challenges. He assured that the government is committed to implementing measures that will provide affordable inputs and fair prices for wheat, which is crucial for the agricultural sector and food security.

Looking ahead, the FCA plans to reconvene once the illustrative price for wheat is announced, which will be pivotal in determining the production targets. Stakeholders are keenly awaiting these developments, as they will have a direct impact on the agricultural landscape and the livelihoods of farmers across the country.