Introduction
Wheat is not just a crop in Pakistan; it is a cornerstone of national food security and a source of livelihood for millions. For decades, the government played a pivotal role in the wheat sector by setting a minimum support price (MSP) and procuring substantial quantities of the harvest to stabilize markets and maintain reserves.
In recent years, however, Pakistan has moved toward a policy of deregulating wheat, a process often misunderstood. What does deregulation truly mean in this context? At its core, it suggests the state steps back from directly buying wheat and allows farmers to sell in an open market where prices are determined by supply and demand — as is already the case with most other crops like cotton, maize, and vegetables.
