The Government of Pakistan has decided to approach the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to restore the wheat support price as production concerns rise reported by multiple media outlets. Federal Minister Rana Tanveer said the government is preparing a new wheat policy to protect farmers and consumers while seeking IMF flexibility on food-related items.
The government had earlier removed the wheat support price under IMF conditions, which farmers say reduced production. Rana Tanveer told the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Food Security that market wheat prices increased after government control reduced. He said a new wheat policy introduced in the first week of October and discussions with the IMF planned to restore the wheat minimum support price.
Officials warned that if wheat production declines by 6 percent, Pakistan may need to import wheat worth $1.5 billion, creating pressure on the national budget. The Ministry of Food Security stated that current wheat reserves are adequate for 2025–26, but floods have already affected crops and may reduce yields.
The committee also reviewed the situation of sugar price in Pakistan 2025 and production levels. This year’s sugar output estimated at 7.2 million tons but actual production fell to 5.8 million tons. The government earlier allowed exports of 1.3 million tons of surplus sugar, earning $450 million in foreign exchange. Due to the shortfall, Pakistan is now importing sugar worth around $150 million.
Rana Tanveer said the government reduced the sugar price from Rs210 per kg and confirmed that no subsidy given on sugar exports. He added that last year sugarcane production was one million tons below target but a bumper crop expected this season.
Officials linked rising food prices to flood damage that affected wheat and sugar crops. The IMF program had required the removal of the wheat support price, but the government now plans to negotiate new terms to protect domestic production. Analysts warn that large wheat and sugar imports could strain foreign exchange reserves and increase the fiscal burden.
The federal government will present the new wheat support price policy in October after IMF consultations. Pakistan is also reviewing its sugar import policy 2025 to balance farmer interests and consumer prices.
