The Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, has introduced a new digital system for the buying and selling of wheat, as part of the Punjab Wheat Policy 2026.
The plan aims to simplify the procurement process and ensure farmers receive payments directly, without the involvement of middlemen.
The Director General (DG) of Food, Amjad Hafeez, said the system is designed to improve transparency and support small farmers.
How will the new system work?
Under the policy, the Punjab government plans to procure three million metric tonnes of wheat at a fixed rate of Rs3,500 per man.
Farmers will be able to register at designated centres using their national identity cards.
Their details will be verified through the land record system before they are allowed to sell wheat.
Payments will be made through a digital banking system, with money transferred to farmers’ accounts within 72 hours.
Officials say no cash payments will be allowed, in an effort to reduce the risk of deductions or delays.
Role of private companies
The government has also brought in private companies to take part in procurement.
According to officials, 35 companies applied during the pre-qualification stage, with 10 firms eventually selected after technical and financial evaluation.
These companies will purchase wheat directly from farmers, with each firm allowed to buy up to 300,000 metric tonnes.
The initiative will begin in selected areas, including the Sarai belt, before expanding further.
Focus on transparency
Officials say the new system removes the role of intermediaries such as local officials and agents.
Monitoring teams will be present at procurement centres, and farmers will receive confirmation messages detailing the quantity sold and the payment due.
A complaint mechanism has also been set up to address any issues.
“We want farmers to receive the full payment without any deductions,” said Amjad Hafeez, who is overseeing the implementation.
Support for small farmers
The policy gives priority to small farmers, who are expected to benefit from easier access to the system and guaranteed pricing.
Officials say the aim is to create a fairer process, where farmers can sell their produce without relying on middlemen or facing uncertainty over prices.
Broader plans for agriculture
The government says the digital system is part of a wider effort to modernise agriculture in Punjab.
Plans include improving storage through private sector involvement, encouraging value-added products such as flour and pasta, and increasing exports in the future.
Authorities expect strong participation in the first phase of the programme and say the system could help stabilise wheat prices in the market.
While the success of the initiative will depend on its implementation, officials say the goal is clear, and that is to make the system simpler, more transparent, and more reliable for farmers across Punjab.
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