The Rs50 per maund increase in the minimum wheat support price by the Economic Coordination Committee is insufficient for formers and hardly “safeguard growers’ interests”. After a considerable increase in the prices of inputs like seed, fertiliser, electricity and fuel (to irrigate farms) and insecticide, farmers were expecting a substantial increase in the support price. The last raise was announced five years ago when the government increase support prices by Rs100 to Rs1,300 for 40kg bags. Dismayed at the dismal fiscal perspectives of the wheat cultivation, farmers have lost interest in the food crop. Unprecedented rains in February and March last year wreaked havoc too. The government failed to announce any compensation for the farmers at that time but it promised to announce a new price regime to support the farming community.
Now, when the wheat sowing season has begun, the meagre support price increase is likely to dishearten the farmers. The problem is that farmers have never used the option of strike or leaving their field without a crop. The government should recognise their commitment and listen to them. Whenever the wheat support price is discussed by policymakers, their mind is influenced by the price of roti in urban areas. Any substantial increase in wheat price is going to ultimately increase the price of bread, triggering strong public and media backlash. On more than one occasion, the government has announced subsidy for urban tandoor walas and flour mills but no such relief has been extended to helpless farmers.
Pakistan used to struggle with the wheat target until 2008 when Pakistan Peoples’ Party government increased it from Rs450 to Rs1,000 in a single go, revolutionising the yield production. Since 2009, Pakistan always saw a surplus yield, but with the passage of time, input prices increased while wheat prices remained stagnant. In the last 10 years, wheat price has been increased only by Rs350 whereas a urea fertiliser bag, which used to be sold at Rs800, now costs Rs2,000. Globally, wheat price is around Rs1,575.
The prime minister has announced a Rs6 billion relief package for the Utility Stores Corporation. Such relief should also be given to farmers to increase their capacity to improve farming techniques. PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has also demanded more increase in wheat price. The government must listen to him, which is reflective of millions of farmers’ voice. *