The Betrayal of Pakistan’s Farmers
A Nation’s Wheat Crisis Unfolds
As Pakistan's wheat crisis intensifies, a dangerous precedent is being set—one that not only threatens the livelihoods of countless farmers but also the nation’s food security. The government’s decision to abandon its long-standing policy of procuring wheat from local farmers at minimum support prices (MSP) is causing chaos in the agricultural sector. This move, reportedly in alignment with International Monetary Fund (IMF) directives, has left farmers vulnerable, food prices unstable, and the country at risk of becoming dependent on costly imports. The crisis is not just an economic failure—it is an ethical and moral failing that goes against the very fabric of Islamic economic principles.
The Shift Away from Support Prices
For decades, Pakistan’s wheat farmers have relied on the government to purchase a substantial portion of their yield at a fixed price, ensuring stability in an otherwise volatile market. However, in a radical departure from this policy, the government has now refused to buy wheat from farmers, leaving them at the mercy of private traders and market fluctuations. This shift is a direct consequence of IMF-imposed austerity measures that demand the removal of agricultural subsidies and price controls in exchange for financial assistance. The result? A wheat production sector in turmoil and farmers facing economic ruin.
According to recent reports, Pakistan’s wheat production is expected to decline by 11% this year, falling below 28 million metric tons—down from last year’s bumper crop of 31.4 million metric tons. This alarming drop is fueled by a combination of unfavorable weather conditions and the government’s policy shift, which has left many farmers unwilling or unable to invest in wheat cultivation. In Punjab, the country’s largest wheat-producing region, protests have erupted as farmers demand the reinstatement of MSP and a halt to wheat imports that threaten their livelihoods.
The Devastating Impact on Farmers
The abrupt policy change has had immediate consequences for wheat farmers across the country. With no guaranteed buyer for their crops, many are being forced to sell their wheat at significantly lower prices to private middlemen, who are quick to exploit the desperation of small-scale farmers. This not only drives down farm incomes but also discourages future wheat cultivation, which could deepen the food crisis in the coming years.
Moreover, Pakistan’s reliance on imported wheat—often at much higher costs—defies economic logic. By refusing to purchase locally produced wheat, the government is simultaneously hurting domestic farmers and draining foreign reserves on expensive imports. This policy serves only to benefit a small elite class of traders and middlemen while impoverishing those who form the backbone of Pakistan’s agricultural economy.
A Violation of Islamic Economic Principles
Beyond the economic ramifications, the government’s refusal to support local wheat farmers stands in direct opposition to the principles of Islamic economics, which emphasize fairness, community welfare, and justice in trade. Islam places great importance on agricultural self-sufficiency and the fair treatment of those who till the land. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself recognized the rights of farmers and warned against exploitative market practices.
One of the most fundamental principles of Islamic finance is risk-sharing. Governments are encouraged to provide stability to essential sectors like agriculture to ensure the well-being of society. Instruments such as Salam contracts—whereby a buyer (often the state) purchases agricultural produce in advance, providing farmers with immediate financial support—are widely endorsed in Islamic economic teachings. By eliminating such support mechanisms, the government is not only deepening the financial woes of farmers but also contravening the ethical responsibilities prescribed by Islam.
Additionally, the Quran and Hadith repeatedly stress the importance of preventing hoarding and market manipulation. The current scenario, where middlemen and private traders dictate prices in the absence of government regulation, creates precisely the kind of unjust economic conditions that Islamic principles seek to prevent.
Food Security at Risk
Pakistan’s wheat crisis is not just a problem for farmers—it is a looming disaster for the entire nation. Wheat is the staple food for millions of Pakistanis, and any instability in its production or pricing directly affects household food security. With reduced production and growing uncertainty, there is a significant risk of wheat shortages, which could drive up prices and make this essential food item unaffordable for lower-income families.
Food insecurity is already a pressing issue in Pakistan. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that nearly 40% of Pakistanis face some level of food insecurity. If wheat shortages and price hikes persist, this number could rise dramatically, leading to widespread malnutrition and social unrest.
The Way Forward: A Call for Immediate Action
Pakistan’s government must immediately reconsider its approach to wheat procurement before the situation spirals further out of control. While economic reforms and fiscal discipline are necessary, they must not come at the cost of the country’s food security and agricultural backbone. The following steps are crucial:
Reinstating the Minimum Support Price (MSP) – The government must resume purchasing wheat from local farmers at a guaranteed price to ensure fair incomes and stability in production.
Regulating Private Wheat Trade – Middlemen and traders should not be allowed to exploit farmers through price manipulation. Strict regulatory measures must be imposed to ensure fair market practices.
Prioritizing Local Wheat Over Imports – Instead of spending foreign exchange on costly wheat imports, Pakistan should focus on supporting domestic wheat production to strengthen self-sufficiency.
Investing in Agricultural Reforms – Sustainable agricultural practices, improved irrigation systems, and better access to credit can help boost wheat yields and reduce reliance on external support.
Islamic Financial Solutions – The government should introduce Salam contracts and other Islamic financial tools to provide upfront financial security to farmers while ensuring a stable food supply chain.
Conclusion
Pakistan stands at a critical juncture where policy choices will determine the country’s economic and social trajectory for years to come. The decision to abandon wheat procurement in favor of market-driven policies is proving disastrous for farmers and consumers alike. This approach not only fails economically but also contradicts Islamic values that emphasize justice, food security, and support for those who work the land.
If the government continues down this path, it risks deepening economic inequalities, pushing more farmers into poverty, and creating a dangerous reliance on foreign imports. The solution lies not in abandoning local producers but in empowering them. By aligning agricultural policies with both sound economic principles and Islamic ethics, Pakistan can ensure a sustainable, just, and food-secure future for all its citizens.
The choice is clear. The government must act now before Pakistan’s wheat fields turn into a graveyard of lost livelihoods and shattered promises.