Zain Khan Malghani
MULTAN: Prominent industrialist, Chairman of SM Group of Industries, member of the National Export Development Board, and Board of Investment member Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali Anjum has stressed the need for a prudent and balanced wheat policy, saying that wheat remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s food security and should be managed through rational planning rather than political rhetoric or administrative pressure.
Speaking on the ongoing wheat situation, Anjum said farmers are the backbone of the country’s agricultural economy and deserve fair compensation for their produce. However, he cautioned that excessive stockpiling of wheat in anticipation of higher prices could create difficulties for farmers themselves. Due to the lack of modern storage facilities and proper warehouses in many rural areas, prolonged storage increases the risk of moisture damage, fungal growth, and pest infestation, ultimately reducing both the quality and market value of the crop.
He described the Punjab government’s decision to procure wheat at Rs3,500 per 40 kilograms and its plan to acquire three million metric tons through private-sector participation as a positive step. According to him, a transparent procurement system coupled with timely payments to farmers could help stabilize the market. However, he warned that holding large quantities of wheat while waiting for further price increases may disrupt market equilibrium and expose growers to significant storage-related risks.
Anjum noted that in the event of wheat shortages, alternative staples such as rice, maize, and other grains can play an important role in meeting food requirements, as practiced in many countries around the world. He urged policymakers and stakeholders to avoid creating artificial shortages or unnecessary panic and instead adopt a broader national food security strategy.
Commenting on recent inspections and raids on warehouses owned by private flour mills and business operators, he termed indiscriminate enforcement actions counterproductive. He said unnecessary interference in legitimate business activities creates uncertainty among investors and industrialists. While the government has every right to regulate and monitor the sector, such oversight should be exercised with transparency, balance, and respect for business confidence.
Anjum emphasized that the solution to the wheat issue lies in a realistic and moderate policy approach. He said the government, farmers, flour mills, and the business community are not adversaries but essential partners in the national food supply chain. Through mutual trust, transparency, and responsible conduct, stakeholders can safeguard farmers’ interests while ensuring the availability of affordable flour and food products for consumers.
He concluded by saying that wheat should be viewed through the broader lens of national economic stability, food security, and farmers’ prosperity rather than being reduced to a political slogan. Such an approach, he added, would help Pakistan move towards a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system.
