Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is confronting a severe wheat shortage as the province struggles to meet its annual demand of 5.3 million metric tons, while local production remains at just 1.4 million metric tons. Rising prices have intensified public concern, with a 20-kilogram bag of wheat flour now retailing at 2,600 rupees and fine flour reaching 2,800 rupees.
Provincial Government Plans New Agricultural Policy
In response, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to introduce a new agricultural scheme aimed at reducing dependence on the federal government and Punjab amidst ongoing wheat shortage. According to officials, the scheme is expected to roll out next year and will focus on encouraging small farmers to cultivate wheat.
Support Measures for Farmers
Under the initiative, the government will provide financial assistance to small-scale farmers and supply essential inputs such as seeds and fertilizers. Furthermore, authorities plan to implement measures to ensure water access for barren lands affected by water scarcity, a challenge that has contributed to the province’s declining cultivable area. Officials said the scheme represents a proactive step to boost local wheat production and mitigate the ongoing crisis, which has placed additional financial pressure on consumers across the province.
Rawalpindi Nanbai association announces closure of Tandoors from Nov 5
The Nanbai Association of Rawalpindi announced it will close all its Tandoors indefinitely from November 5. Officials said authorities are filing cases against bakers, sealing ovens, and disrupting livelihoods. Wheat prices have doubled in two months, yet the government has provided no subsidies. Bakers also face a shortage of natural gas and are relying on costly LPG cylinders. The association urged authorities to supply standard-quality flour, promising not to raise bread prices if the supply improves.
