Pakistan’s National Food Security Minister, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has directed authorities to expedite the sale of stored wheat to prevent financial losses and benefit both farmers and consumers ahead of the upcoming harvest. Chairing a meeting focused on wheat reserves and management strategies, Hussain emphasized that delays in selling the stored wheat could degrade its quality and strain the national treasury.
In Pakistan, wheat is typically sown in mid-December, with harvesting commencing in March and peaking between April and early June. Last year, farmers protested against low wheat prices, attributing the decline to excessive imports that saturated local markets. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, contributing approximately 24% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing about half of the labor force, as reported by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
Officials from the Pakistan Agricultural Storage & Services Corporation (PASSCO) informed the minister about enhanced coordination with various agencies and provincial authorities to accelerate wheat sales. They highlighted the implementation of measures to ensure transparency in the sale process, aiming to benefit both farmers and consumers. Minister Hussain urged PASSCO to develop effective policies to tackle administrative and financial challenges, reaffirming the government’s commitment to agricultural development, food security, and the welfare of farmers.
