Enhancing wheat storage

In Pakistan, as the harvesting season unfolds for major crops like wheat, rice, maize, cotton, and oilseeds, market dynamics invariably lead prices to their annual lows. This pattern has been particularly pronounced in Punjab during the recent wheat season. The prices experienced a significant downturn, plummeting by approximately 40 per cent to hover between Rs2,400 to Rs3,000 per 40 kilograms, well below the government’s support price of Rs3,900. As a consequence, farmers have suffered financial losses. This phenomenon is primarily driven by a market glut resulting from oversupply. Two key factors contribute to this situation. Firstly, most farmers are facing financial constraints and urgently need funds to repay bank loans, settle outstanding credits for fertiliser and pesticide dealers, and procure inputs for the next crop. Secondly, there is no dearth of farmers who lack adequate storage facilities, such as godowns, to store harvested crops.