Maize prices across Punjab have witnessed a significant decline over the past two months, with wholesale rates falling by nearly 20 percent due to a combination of weak export demand, increased market supply, and slow buying activity from feed manufacturers.
According to market trends, the average price of maize has dropped from around Rs. 3,000 per maund (40 kilograms) during late April and early May to nearly Rs. 2,400 per maund by the end of June. The sharp decline reflects changing supply and demand dynamics in Pakistan’s agricultural market.
The downward trend has been recorded across nearly all major maize-producing districts in Punjab. Wholesale markets in Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Chichawatni, Dipalpur, Kasur, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Samundari, Sheikhupura, Arifwala, and Bahawalnagar have all reported lower trading prices over recent weeks.
Most wholesale markets are currently trading between Rs. 2,300 and Rs. 2,500 per maund, a noticeable decrease compared to the Rs. 3,000 or higher levels seen earlier this season. While some markets experienced temporary price fluctuations, the overall direction has remained firmly downward.
Industry experts believe the decline is mainly being driven by limited export opportunities. Reduced cross-border trade, particularly with Afghanistan, has significantly affected maize shipments, resulting in excess supply within the domestic market.
The arrival of the new maize crop has also added fresh supplies to wholesale markets, placing further pressure on prices. With increased availability and limited external demand, traders have found it difficult to maintain previous price levels.
Another factor contributing to the price decline is subdued purchasing by Pakistan’s feed milling industry. Feed manufacturers, one of the country’s largest consumers of maize, have adopted a cautious buying strategy, reducing demand and keeping market activity relatively slow.
Commodity market analysts believe the current price pressure could continue in the short term unless demand improves. However, they remain optimistic about the longer-term outlook for the sector.
Experts suggest that fresh investment in Pakistan’s poultry industry could increase maize consumption later this year. Since maize is a key ingredient in poultry feed, stronger growth in the poultry sector may eventually support higher demand and help stabilize prices.
The weaker market sentiment is not limited to Punjab. Traders in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also reported softer maize prices, although the decline has been less severe than in Punjab. Market participants attribute this to slower trading activity and the same export-related challenges affecting the national grain market.
For now, maize growers and traders are closely monitoring export developments, domestic demand, and poultry sector expansion, as these factors are expected to determine the direction of prices in the coming months.
