Breaking boom-bust cycle of crops in Punjab

Dawn argued on Nov 9 that Punjab could reduce sharp swings in vegetable prices by giving farmers information about planned planting before sowing begins. The article says tomatoes, potatoes and onions fell sharply year on year in January 2026, then tomatoes and onions were more than 140pc and 125pc higher, respectively, by August.

The commentary attributes the pattern to growers responding to last season’s prices, which can lead to excess supply followed by shortages. It says Punjab already surveys acreage and publishes wholesale prices, but neither service tells farmers what others intend to plant. The proposed approach is to survey planting intentions for potato, onion, tomato and chilli, weigh them against stocks and market conditions, then issue timely guidance through existing agricultural services.

Dawn contrasts this with the United States’ planting-intentions survey and Japan’s price stabilisation system, while noting the latter depends on cooperatives Punjab lacks. Its central recommendation is to use existing provincial capacity for forward-looking market information rather than create a new department.