National Workshop on Deregulating Wheat Market Held in Islamabad

Islamabad: The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR), in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), organized a workshop to address challenges and explore opportunities in Pakistan’s wheat sector. Held on January 24, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel, Islamabad, the workshop brought together provincial representatives, private sector stakeholders, and international partners to develop a comprehensive strategy for deregulation.The workshop opened with remarks by the Secretary MNFSR, Mr. Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry, who stressed the need for a collaborative approach to tackle issues in the wheat market. By inviting all provinces, the Ministry aimed to ensure inclusive policymaking that reflects the ground realities across the country.Experts and development partners shared valuable insights during the sessions. Dr. Akmal Siddiq, Technical Advisor, MNFSR, highlighted that provinces must take a proactive role in implementing reforms under the deregulation framework. Mr. Oliver Durand, Lead Agriculture Specialist of the World Bank pointed out Pakistan’s low wheat productivity and called for policy reforms, strategic investments, and market-driven value chain development. Comprehensive discussions on wheat price trends (2009–2023) further contextualized the economic challenges in the sector.Other presenters presented plans to modernize Pakistan’s grain storage infrastructure, focusing on efficiency and food safety. They emphasized the need for private-sector investment in strategic wheat reserves. Additionally, the importance of digitized platforms to support farmers, improve access to markets, and enhance commodity trading ecosystems was underscored.Representatives from all provinces shared their viewpoints, presenting roadmaps for the future while highlighting key challenges such as infrastructure deficits, policy gaps, and resource constraints. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to addressing these concerns by articulating a robust and inclusive national policy.Private sector representatives supported the move, highlighting that an open market would foster innovation and competition, with clear policies and a stable regulatory environment essential for fair investment, along with demand of support from government.In his concluding remarks, Federal Minister for Food Security and Research, Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain, reaffirmed the government’s resolve to reform the wheat market. He emphasised that market deregulation should be implemented in its true letter and spirit and without any restrictions on free movement of wheat. He highlighted the necessity of modern agricultural practices, leveraging technology, and strengthening public-private partnerships to ensure food security and economic sustainability.The workshop provided a valuable platform for dialogue and set the stage for actionable reforms to transform Pakistan’s wheat sector.