Punjab govt’s wheat subsidy dilemma leaves farmers in limbo

LAHORE: The Punjab government remains undecided on proposals regarding subsidies for small farmers amid wheat procurement challenges, sources from the food department reveal.

According to the food department source, only 120,000 farmers fulfil the criteria of the government’s wheat purchase policy and the wheat subsidies to these eligible farmers could incur a hefty expenditure exceeding Rs 5 billion.

Punjab govt’s yet to decide on wheat procurement as farmers announce protest

Efforts to mollify farmers through potential subsidies of a few hundred rupees per maund seem unlikely to quell ongoing protests, indicating a looming impasse. While the government stands prepared to procure wheat with a 10 per cent moisture threshold, adverse weather conditions have rendered such wheat scarce in Punjab’s districts, with moisture levels surpassing 16 per cent.

Critics suggest the government’s approach to wheat procurement is politically motivated, despite possessing ample reserves for the upcoming year. However, challenges posed by moisture content and economic constraints complicate the situation.

Finance Division debunks alleged delay in wheat procurement decision

Meanwhile, farmers’ discontent grows as they decry the government’s failure to purchase wheat at an acceptable rate. Farmer leader Khalid Baath vows to prolong protests until their demands are met. – INP