Pakistan Has Enough Wheat Stocks to Meet Demand, Minister Says

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has said Pakistan has enough wheat stocks to meet domestic demand, with no shortage reported anywhere in the country. He also warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found hoarding wheat or causing artificial increases in market prices.

The minister made the remarks while chairing the 9th Wheat Board meeting, which reviewed wheat production, availability, procurement and market prices across the country.

Provincial representatives unanimously informed the board that sufficient wheat stocks were available in all parts of Pakistan. The board also agreed that the estimated wheat production target had been achieved.

According to the minister, wheat production this year is expected to be 1.36 million metric tonnes higher than last year. He described the increase as a positive development for the country’s food security.

The meeting was attended by the federal food security secretary, chief secretaries of Punjab and Sindh, provincial agriculture and food secretaries, senior ministry officials, representatives of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association and other stakeholders.

Participants called on provincial governments to closely monitor the wheat market and improve market management to prevent unnecessary price changes. They also stressed regular coordination between federal and provincial authorities to maintain a stable supply across Pakistan.

Rana Tanveer Hussain said the federal and provincial governments would take necessary administrative and legal steps to control hoarding, strengthen market oversight and keep wheat available at affordable prices.

He directed the relevant authorities to increase market monitoring, maintain close coordination and take immediate action against practices that disrupt wheat supplies or cause unjustified price increases.

Source: ARY News