LAHORE, April 20 (Wealth Pakistan): Fresh wheat is arriving in markets across Punjab as harvesting gains momentum. Meanwhile, the Food Department has started registering farmers for bardana (gunny bags) to support procurement.
Punjab expects wheat production to exceed 22.5 million metric tons this year. This comes despite weather disruptions such as rains and hailstorms. To stabilize prices near Rs3,500 per 40kg, the provincial government has launched its procurement drive.
Digital system to streamline procurement
Director General Food Department Punjab Amjad Hafeez said the government has introduced a fully digital procurement system.
“We have fundamentally reformed the wheat procurement framework by introducing a fully digital and streamlined system,” he told Wealth Pakistan.
He said the new system eliminates delays and reduces discretion. It also removes procedural bottlenecks seen in earlier procurement cycles. The government has approved a Rs6 billion bardana subsidy. Authorities are distributing it through a transparent digital mechanism.
Farmers must register through the Bardana App developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board.
Procurement centers and farmer support
Officials have set up 233 procurement centers across Punjab. These centers will buy wheat at the support price of Rs3,500 per 40kg.
The policy prioritizes small farmers. It sets an eligibility cap of 12 acres per farmer. It also fixes a procurement benchmark of 25 maunds per acre.
“Small farmers make up over 90 per cent of Punjab’s farming community. The framework ensures inclusive access and fair participation,” Hafeez said.
The policy also reduces the role of middlemen. Authorities will transfer payments directly into farmers’ bank accounts. This ensures transparency and faster payments.
The government plans to procure up to 3 million metric tons through aggregators. This move will help set a benchmark price in the market, including for flour mills and private buyers.
Market trends remain firm
Hafeez said the policy does not restrict open market purchases.
“Poultry and feed units can procure wheat from the open market, based on prevailing conditions,” he said.
However, stakeholders say prices remain firm despite fresh arrivals.
“The price of wheat depends on quality. Rain-affected wheat is available at Rs3,300 per 40kg. Good-quality grain is selling at Rs3,500 or higher,” said Iftikhar Ahmad Matto, former chairman of PFMA Punjab.
He said prices may stay at this level during harvesting. They may rise further in the coming months.
Atta chakki owners shared similar concerns.
“Wheat from South Punjab, especially Bahawalnagar, reaches Lahore at about Rs3,600 per 40kg, excluding transport,” said Liaquat Ali Malik, Chairman Atta Chakki Owners Association.
He said prices will likely remain firm throughout the year.
Farmers express concern over slow procurement
Farmers have raised concerns about the pace of government procurement.
“The Food Department has not procured a single grain so far,” Khalid Mahmood Khokhar, Chairman Pakistan Kissan Ittehad told Wealth Pakistan.
He said the procurement target is too low compared to the expected crop. He warned that it may not help stabilize prices.