Farmers hail raise in wheat support price

Farmers organisations have welcomed the announcement of increase in wheat support price to Rs 950 per 40 Kg and termed it wise, accurate and timely step in the larger interest of the country. They said that this decision would not only help cover expenditures of wheat farmers but also discourage smuggling and hoarding of the commodity.
"Farmers Associates Pakistan (FAP) is pleased with the government for this increase because it is really a step towards right direction, which will help boost the wheat output and bring the country out of crises", Convenor Wheat Committee FAP Brigadier Mirza Abul Rashid Baig (Retd) told APP here on Tuesday.
He said that previous governments often delayed the decisions of increasing wheat price but present government has provided an ample time to the growers to make plans of sowing wheat. The FAP representative assured the government that the farmers will respond to the step of the government by enhancing wheat sowing area and increasing the yield. Chairman Agriforum Pakistan Ibrahim Mughal said that the step is a landmark achievement towards self-sufficiency of agriculture produce in the country.
He said farmers were demanding Rs 1000 per 40 Kg wheat price yet they have a history of commitment towards the nation and they are thankful to the government for taking such a bold initiative. Farmers have got their due right of increase in wheat price and they would increase production to such a level that there would be no shortage of wheat in the country, he said.
Former Chairman Pakistan Flourmills Association Bilal Sufi also termed the decision of increase in support price of wheat as far-reaching and in the national interest. It would save the funds, which the country has to spend on wheat import and also help in controlling the trade deficit, he observed.
This will also help in well being of those 80 percent people, who have directly or indirectly linked with the agriculture sector in the country, he added. Kissan Board Pakistan and other organisations of farmers have also appreciated the government for taking such a decision, which would have positive impact on strengthening the economy of the country.