Farmers Face Uncertainty as Wheat Market Reform Fails to Deliver Promises

LAHORE: The upcoming wheat season, marking the third since the government abandoned the official support price and halted large-scale public procurement in April 2025, poses significant uncertainty for farmers across Punjab. The government had pledged a more resilient, market-based trading system to replace the previous model, yet two years later, farmers find themselves more vulnerable to price fluctuations without the safety nets that once provided income security.

Rising production costs, diminishing returns, extreme climate conditions, chronic water shortages, and increasing threats from pests and diseases have compounded the challenges faced by wheat growers. Farmers are now grappling with a manipulated wheat market, which has rendered wheat cultivation a precarious venture, leaving them uncertain about achieving a satisfactory harvest or reasonable profits.

This situation has broader implications for the agricultural sector and the economy, as farmers weigh their options—whether to continue investing in wheat, shift to alternative crops, or limit their cultivation to subsistence needs. The lack of assurance regarding viable returns could lead to decreased wheat production, impacting food security and economic stability in the region.

Looking ahead, stakeholders are calling for a reassessment of the current market policies to restore confidence among farmers. Upcoming discussions among agricultural experts and government officials are expected to address these pressing issues, aiming to develop strategies that can stabilize the wheat market and support the livelihoods of farmers.