UAF seeks better wheat procurement system

FAISALABAD: The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) scientists making efforts to develop a framework to optimise wheat procurement, increase per-acre yield, ensure food security, and enhance farmer profitability.

Experts at a joint consultative meeting with the Asian Development Bank discussed the wheat crop scenario for 2024-25. The meeting aimed to analyze the wheat situation, farmers’ perceptions of support prices, and cultivation plans for the next year, as directed by the Punjab government.

UAF VC Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan emphasised the need to improve the wheat procurement system to minimize losses. He also highlighted the role of the private sector in addressing farmers’ challenges.

Participants agreed that the public procurement system is inefficient and contributes to poor wheat market development. They opposed the policy of procuring wheat for subsidised sale to flour mills, citing the misallocation of subsidies.