MKL Condemns Wheat Import Plan, Says Decision Will Hurt Farmers

LAHORE -UNS : The Markazi Kisan League (MKL) has strongly opposed the federal government’s decision to import one million tonnes of wheat, describing it as an ill-conceived and anti-farmer policy that could undermine Pakistan’s agricultural sector and place additional pressure on the national economy.
In a joint statement, MKL Chairman Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali Olakh and President Ashfaq Virk said Pakistan, as an agricultural country, should not rely on imported wheat when domestic farmers are capable of meeting national requirements. They argued that the decision reflects the absence of a comprehensive and effective agricultural policy.
The leaders criticized the government’s handling of the wheat sector, alleging repeated failures to procure the crop on time and provide farmers with a fair support price. They said growers have suffered substantial financial losses after investing an entire season in wheat cultivation without receiving adequate returns.
According to the MKL, importing wheat at a time when local farmers are struggling with rising production costs sends the wrong signal to the agricultural community. The party warned that such policies could discourage future wheat cultivation, reduce farmers’ confidence, and create long-term uncertainty in the sector.
The MKL further argued that reliance on imported wheat would not only waste valuable foreign exchange but also weaken Pakistan’s food security by discouraging domestic production. The party urged the government to review its decision, prioritize local procurement, and introduce farmer-friendly policies that strengthen agricultural productivity, protect growers’ interests, and ensure sustainable food security for the country.