The Gilgit-Baltistan government will provide certified wheat seed to farmers at a 50% subsidy under a new Rs140 million scheme, a move aimed at boosting local wheat production and cutting the region’s dependence on subsidised flour from the rest of the country.
Reports on 23 October 2026 confirmed the scheme. In fact, it follows Chief Minister Amjad Hussain’s 13 October announcement that the government allocated special funds to provide subsidised wheat and certified seed to local farmers, backed by the first-ever Rs500 million block allocation for the region’s agriculture sector.
Scheme at a Glance
| Scheme | Certified wheat seed at 50% subsidy |
| Region | Gilgit-Baltistan |
| Scheme cost | Rs140 million (as reported) |
| Subsidy | 50% on certified wheat seed |
| Beneficiaries | Local farmers and landowners of GB |
| Announced by | GB government; CM Amjad Hussain (13 Oct 2026 policy statement) |
What Farmers Get
- Certified wheat seed at half price — farmers pay only 50% of the seed cost; the government covers the rest.
- Better germination and yield — certified seed is quality-tested, unlike the uncertified seed most small farmers currently sow.
- Part of a wider agri package — the seed scheme sits inside the Rs500 million block allocation for GB agriculture, alongside farmer organisations at village level, a proposed Kisan Card, and agri malls with private-sector participation.
Why This Matters
Gilgit-Baltistan grows only a fraction of the wheat it consumes, and the region leans heavily on the Rs22 billion federal wheat/flour subsidy. However, cheap subsidised flour has long discouraged local cultivation. As a result, supplying quality seed at a deep discount is the government’s attempt to reverse that — more local wheat, less import dependence.
Agriculture Secretary Usman Ahmad briefed the parliamentary committee on the proposed GB agriculture policy, and the committee directed officials to place it before the cabinet. The seed push is one plank of that policy. Moreover, similar seed-subsidy models already run in other provinces, including the CM Punjab Grow More Wheat Program and Sindh’s wheat procurement reforms.
How to Get the Subsidised Seed
So far, the government has not yet announced the distribution mechanism — officials have not made public any registration method, per-farmer seed quantity, district quotas, or deadlines. In the meantime, expect distribution through the GB Agriculture Department’s district offices once officials formally notify the scheme. We will update this article when the authorities issue the official notification.
Importantly, the Associated Press of Pakistan (via UrduPoint) carried the Chief Minister’s 13 October statement for official confirmation.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the GB wheat seed subsidy?
Local farmers and landowners of Gilgit-Baltistan. So far, the authorities have not announced detailed eligibility criteria.
How much subsidy will farmers get?
In short, 50% subsidy on certified wheat seed, according to the scheme report.
What is the total cost of the scheme?
Rs140 million, as reported. Specifically, the Chief Minister announced it as part of the Rs500 million block allocation for GB agriculture.
Is this the same as the GB wheat/flour subsidy?
No. In contrast, the wheat/flour subsidy covers subsidised flour for consumers; this is a separate scheme for certified seed for growers. Read about the GB wheat subsidy here.
When and where can farmers register?
The authorities have not announced registration details yet. Meanwhile, check back — or visit the homepage for the latest scheme updates.