Pakistan In Focus - Centre, Sindh fail to break wheat rate impasse.

he federal and Sindh governments on Wednesday could not agree on a new wheat support price as the PPP, which is in power in the province, is seeking an increase of nearly 43 percent to secure a better rate for its farmers given its strong voter base in rural areas.

However, the PTI, the ruling party in the Centre, wants to strike a balance between the interests of the farmers and the consumers as it has a strong presence in cities.

The PTI-led federal government has proposed a price of Rs1,600 per 40kg, which is 14 percent higher than the current rate.

The Sindh government wants an increase of almost 43 percent and suggested a price of Rs2,000 per 40kg for the next crop.

A meeting between Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Finance Adviser Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on fixing the minimum wheat price ended inconclusively.

"During the meeting, the finance adviser stressed the need for agreeing upon a well-coordinated support price to strike a balance between producers and consumers and ensure maximum productivity during the FY 2020-21," read a statement issued by the finance ministry after the meeting.

"The finance adviser concluded that there is a need to look at a holistic picture for determining a minimum support price for the wheat crop...