Source: Ukragroconsult (Ukraine)
Pakistani wheat farmers alarm at the height of the wheat harvest season. Farmers once again face serious challenges. This is especially true for small farms. They fear they will not recoup their expenses. They also fear they will not receive a fair price for their harvest. Wheat is a staple food. Nevertheless, it once again fails to guarantee producers a stable income this year. This happens amid the threat of food insecurity.
Reasons for Pakistani wheat farmers alarm
One of the main problems has been the shortage of threshing equipment. Specifically, farmers lack hammer mills. Production interruptions caused this shortage. These interruptions result from power outages. Additionally, restrictions on enterprise operations during peak periods play a role. Consequently, delays in harvesting occur. Therefore, the risk of grain loss increases due to shattering. Likewise, deterioration in quality due to adverse weather conditions becomes more likely.
Pricing policy remains an equally pressing issue. The officially set purchase price has failed to reassure farmers. As a result, many sell wheat to intermediaries at reduced prices. At the same time, production costs have increased significantly. Fertilizer and fuel prices are notably higher. Hence, the profitability of agricultural businesses decreases further.
Weather and policy factors behind the crisis
Weather factors are also exacerbating the situation. In some regions, crop damage due to rain and hail has already been reported. This raises concerns about overall production volumes. Despite the increasingly noticeable effects of climate change, the government’s response remains delayed and unsystematic.
Experts note that the lack of a clear procurement strategy creates additional risks for the economy. Likewise, the absence of coordinated agricultural policy adds to these risks. If the authorities fail to address issues with technical support, this could negatively impact farmers. Moreover, it could affect the country’s food security as a whole. This is especially true given rising energy prices.