Shafaqna Pakistan | by Jawad Naqvi- Pakistan has entered the ongoing monsoon season already burdened by a severe sugar price crisis, and now faces a similar turmoil with wheat. The prices of wheat and flour have surged sharply in recent weeks, intensifying concerns over food security in the country. Wheat prices increased by Rs300 just this week, reaching Rs3,100 per maund (40 kg).
This rise is part of a broader upward trend over the past month, during which wheat prices jumped nearly Rs1,000 per 40 kg, and the price of a 20 kg bag of flour rose by approximately Rs500. The rapid escalation has sparked suspicions of market manipulation, with some alleging that the spike is artificially induced.
Chairman of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association has admitted that the government is struggling to control wheat prices amid these challenges. Others have highlighted the issue of low wheat reserves; Punjab’s stockpile of 2.5 million tonnes is considered insufficient to meet the country’s demand until April 2026. Pakistan’s government seems unable to strike a balance between regulation, market forces, and food prices, leaving millions vulnerable.
Currently, around 11 million people are grappling with acute food insecurity, a number that is likely to grow as large parts of Punjab—the nation’s breadbasket—remain flooded. Experts warn that this disaster coincides with outdated and energy-intensive farming practices, further driving up costs for farmers and threatening the nation’s food security.
The crisis is not just about the vast tracts of farmland submerged under floodwaters or the thousands of livestock lost; it is a symptom of a fragile agricultural model that Pakistan depends on. This model is ill-equipped to withstand climate shocks like the current floods. The country’s heavy reliance on diesel-powered irrigation systems, inefficient tube wells, and obsolete machinery exacerbates the problem.
Even farmers whose lands have escaped flooding face another challenge: the disruption of supply chains and infrastructure makes securing a steady supply of diesel extremely difficult. Solar-powered pumps would be a more sustainable and climate-resilient alternative, yet the ongoing solar energy boom has largely benefited the wealthy urban population, leaving rural farmers—who need it most—without access.
Additionally, a critical gap in the agricultural system is the lack of adequate cold storage facilities, especially in flood-prone areas where power outages are frequent. Without proper storage, harvested crops risk spoiling before they reach the market, leading to significant post-harvest losses and wasted resources.
Beyond the technical and infrastructural concerns lies the human toll—thousands of farmers have watched their livelihoods and hard work wash away with the floods. This is not an isolated occurrence but a recurring tragedy. Farmers suffered similar devastation in 2010, 2012, and 2022, and now again in 2025. The emotional and financial toll of rebuilding after each disaster, only to be hit by another, is immense.
The in-between years offer little respite, as Pakistan oscillates between flooding and drought, creating unpredictable conditions that make farming increasingly untenable. This volatile environment raises a troubling question: who will continue farming under such precarious circumstances? Moreover, who will provide the necessary financing and loans to sustain farming when the risks appear insurmountable?
Pakistan’s leadership must recognize that supporting farmers is not a matter of charity or temporary relief; it is a strategic imperative to ensure food security for the entire nation. Without decisive action to modernize farming practices, improve infrastructure, and provide financial and institutional support to farmers, the country risks facing widespread food shortages.
Ultimately, safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers and investing in a resilient agricultural system may be the only way to prevent empty tables and long queues for basic staples like roti in every neighborhood.
Source: Shafaqna Pakistan
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