DPM Dar says 750,000 tonnes of wheat to be imported in November

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed the government's decision to import up to one million metric tonnes of wheat in November, with 750,000 tonnes set to arrive during the first phase. Following a meeting chaired by Dar, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that all provinces, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, and the Ministry of Commerce extended their cooperation and coordination to address wheat import issues, price stabilization, and hoarding concerns.

Dar directed the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (Passco) to promptly deliver wheat to provinces based on allocations approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) and the steering committee. The provinces were also instructed to ensure timely payments and release allocated wheat supplies. The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) was ordered to initiate the import process immediately.

Dar emphasized the need for close coordination among all concerned institutions to ensure sufficient wheat availability, stable prices, and relief for consumers across Pakistan. The meeting featured representatives from various government ministries, the provincial governments, and senior federal and provincial officials. The government's decision comes amidst growing worries about a potential three million tonne wheat shortfall, driven by farmer concerns about losses estimated at Rs2,200 billion over three consecutive years due to policy missteps.

Wheat growers warn that the current support price of Rs3,900 per 40-kilogramme maund is insufficient, falling short of production costs of Rs3,761 per maund. The farmers' body suggests a realistic support price of Rs4,702 per maund, including a 25% profit margin.