The Punjab government has blocked key transport routes to halt the sale of wheat to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government for 3,900 rupees per 40kg.
The Punjab govt measure is aimed at curtailing what has been described as ‘smuggling’ activities, ensuring that local farmers in Punjab do not bypass provincial controls to sell their wheat at higher rates outside their jurisdiction.
A formal notification from the Secretary of Food has led to the establishment of checkpoints along major highways to prevent the unauthorized movement of wheat. Officers tasked with enforcing the non-smuggling directive operate these checkpoints.
Meanwhile, representatives from the Flour Mills Association have reported a backlog due to restrictions; with approximately 300,000 tons of wheat ordered by the KP government, there is a long queue of trucks laden with wheat parked outside warehouses in KP as they await clearance to deliver their loads, purchased at 3,900 rupees per unit.
The disparity in wheat prices is stark, with wheat trading between 2,800 to 3,000 rupees per 40kg in Punjab’s open market. The Flour Mills Association has voiced concerns over the Punjab government’s restrictive actions, highlighting the challenges these pose to farmers who stand to gain from KP’s higher purchase price.
The situation underscores the ongoing regional disagreements over agricultural pricing and transport policies, impacting the agricultural and milling sectors.
