Govt Directs No Ban on inter provincial movement of wheat
The federal government has directed the provinces and relevant departments to ensure uninterrupted inter provincial movement of wheat for smooth supply of commodity across the country.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, chaired the 11th high-level meeting of the National Wheat Oversight Committee to review the wheat procurement drive, harvesting progress, and prevailing market prices across the country.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry, provincial agriculture departments, PASSCO, and other relevant stakeholders. A detailed assessment of the wheat crop situation, procurement targets, and supply chain dynamics was carried out.
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The Minister directed all provincial governments and relevant departments to ensure the uninterrupted inter-provincial movement of wheat, stressing that no administrative or logistical barriers should hinder the smooth supply of the commodity across the country.
The Federal Minister stated that wheat prices in the domestic market are aligned with international trends, ranging between Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 4,000 per maund, ensuring fair returns to farmers while maintaining affordability for consumers. He emphasized that the government is committed to safeguarding the interests of growers by ensuring remunerative prices and smooth procurement operations.
Rana Tanveer Hussain expressed satisfaction over the current wheat reserves, assuring that sufficient stocks are available in the country to meet domestic consumption requirements and maintain food security. He further highlighted that provinces have shown confidence in achieving their respective wheat production targets for the current season.
He also underscored the importance of transparency and efficiency in the procurement process, instructing authorities to facilitate farmers through timely payments, adequate procurement centers, and reduction of unnecessary delays. Measures to curb hoarding and profiteering were also discussed, with strict directions issued to take action against market manipulation.
The Federal Minister further directed for enhanced monitoring of wheat stocks and market trends, along with the use of digital tools and data-driven mechanisms for better decision-making. He also emphasized strengthening storage capacity and minimizing post-harvest losses.
Concluding the meeting, Rana Tanveer Hussain reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring national food security, protecting farmers’ interests, and maintaining a stable wheat market for the benefit of all stakeholders.