Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain on Saturday said that sufficient wheat stocks were available in the country to meet domestic requirements.
He warned that strict action would be taken against those involved in hoarding and creating artificial price hikes of the commodity. The minister chaired the 9th Wheat Board meeting to review the country’s wheat production, availability, procurement, and market prices, said a press release.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary, Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Sindh, the Agriculture Secretaries and Food Secretaries of all provinces, senior officials of the Ministry, and representatives of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association and other relevant stakeholders.
The Board conducted a detailed review of the wheat situation across the country. The provincial representatives unanimously informed the meeting that adequate wheat stocks are available and that there is no shortage of wheat anywhere in the country. Speaking on the occasion, Rana Tanveer Hussain said it is an encouraging development that Pakistan’s wheat production this year is estimated to be 1.36 million metric tonnes higher than last year’s production.
The Board unanimously agreed that the estimated wheat production target has been achieved and that the country has sufficient wheat reserves. The meeting noted that the provinces should closely monitor the wheat market and ensure effective market management. The participants also emphasized the need for regular and effective coordination between the Federal and Provincial Governments.
The Federal Minister reaffirmed that protecting consumers’ interests remains the government’s foremost priority. He said the federal government, in collaboration with the provincial governments, will take all necessary administrative and legal measures to curb hoarding, strengthen market oversight, and ensure the availability of wheat to consumers at affordable prices. The Minister directed all relevant authorities to maintain close coordination, strengthen market monitoring, and take prompt action against any practices that disrupt the smooth supply of wheat or lead to unjustified price increases.