Pakistan, April 5 -- Pakistan's agricultural sector, long considered the backbone of the economy, has found itself caught in a cycle of strategic missteps and flawed policies, particularly in managing the export and import of staple crops like wheat and rice. Over the years, the country has witnessed a troubling pattern: exporting surplus crops during favourable seasons and then reimporting the same commodities at higher international prices due to local shortages. This cycle not only undermines national food security but also leads to colossal financial losses and demoralizes the domestic farming community.

In 2020, wheat was exported in the name of surplus inventory and favourable forex prospects. By 2021, Pakistan was importing wheat ...