Decisive Fight Against Wheat Hoarding and Agricultural Reform Decisions from the Sind Cabinet

In a cabinet meeting held in Pakistan's Sind province, many important decisions were made, including launching a decisive fight against wheat hoarding and extending the tenure of the Pakistan Rangers. In the meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Şah and focused on agriculture, food security, and rural development, the historic regulation named 'Sind Farmers Agricultural Cooperatives Act 2026' was also approved. Additionally, the draft of the 2026-2030 National Wheat Policy, which aims to create a radical change in Pakistan's wheat economy, was put on the table. Progress was also made on issues such as agricultural modernization, infrastructure development, and fisheries regulation. Officials stated that these decisions will strengthen the economic and social structure of the province.

The new agricultural cooperative law approved by the cabinet aims to empower small farmers, livestock keepers, and fishermen. Through this law, it is aimed to enable farmers to jointly use their lands, resources, and agricultural machinery, access financial facilities and modern technologies, and establish direct connections with more profitable markets. The bill, prepared as a result of extensive consultations with farmer organizations, the Sind Chamber of Agriculture, the Sind Agriculture Board, and the Pakistan Devlet Bankası, offers a comprehensive framework for collective agriculture and agribusiness. While those owning 1 to 25 dönüm of land are classified as small farmers, the scope of the collective system has been expanded to include livestock and inland fisheries. The law mandates the representation of women and transgender individuals, while also offering environmental opportunities such as participation in carbon credit markets.

Significant steps were also taken regarding food security and wheat supply; the cabinet was informed that Sind will experience an approximate wheat shortage of 1 million 590 thousand tons in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It was noted that open market wheat prices reached record levels, surpassing the government's support purchase price of 3.500 rupees per 40 kilograms. The food department announced that flour mills, traders, and private hoarders hold large amounts of wheat, which triggers price hikes and speculation. Chief Minister Murad Ali Şah instructed the launch of a comprehensive operation against hoarding to protect consumers and stabilize flour prices. This stands out as an urgent measure taken to ensure the public's access to basic food.

As part of the reforms, the Sind government plans to establish an 'Integrated Weight Management System' to digitalize wheat procurement, storage, transportation, and distribution systems. While the Science and Information Technology Department recommended the inclusion of the Sind Information Technology Company in this digital transformation process, Chief Minister Şah demanded the acceleration of the process and increased transparency. By encouraging greater private sector involvement in wheat operations, the government aims for the food department to gradually transform into a technology-driven regulatory institution. Sind Chief Secretary Asif Haydar Şah emphasized that this digitalization is part of a broader reform package within the food department. Officials believe these steps will reduce informality and ensure more efficient use of resources.

Additionally, in the cabinet meeting, changes were made to the 2022 rules regarding fishing jetties to strengthen inspections in the coastal areas of the province, and 64 unauthorized fishing jetties were identified. By changing the name of the Maritime Fisheries Protection Police to 'Sind Fisheries Security Service', it is planned for the institution to carry out its monitoring and control duties over marine resources more effectively. To increase coastal security, the allocation of a budget of millions of rupees for the purchase of three speedboats and the employment of 300 new personnel was approved. It was reported that decisions were also made on various issues during the meeting, such as the welfare of Rescue-1122 emergency personnel, prison security, and revenue reforms. All these regulations are expected to raise living standards and ensure public order in both rural and urban areas of Sind province.