PM Shehbaz says wheat available in abundance for domestic needs, vows no leniency for hoarders

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Tuesday that there is a plentiful supply of wheat to meet domestic requirements, expressing zero tolerance for those engaging in wheat hoarding, as reported by the Prime Minister’s Office. The Prime Minister convened the inaugural National Agricultural and Food Security Council meeting in Islamabad, attended by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Sindh Food Minister Makhdoom Mehboob uz Zaman, and other senior officials.

The Prime Minister emphasized that wheat is abundant enough to cater to domestic needs and stated that no leniency will be shown towards wheat hoarders. He also highlighted the importance of determining the fair price of wheat before sowing to ensure farmers receive adequate compensation for their labor. The Prime Minister indicated that the wheat price decision would be made in consultation with the provinces, with the finalization expected soon.

Agriculture was described by the Prime Minister as the "backbone of the national economy," with the potential to propel Pakistan's economy towards growth in the near future. The meeting saw commendation for the Punjab Chief Minister’s initiatives in farmers' development, aquaculture, shrimp farming, and direct subsidies to farmers via the Kisan Card.

The Prime Minister further expressed optimism about the livestock sector's potential to boost national exports, particularly of halal meat. He stressed that the federal government would provide extensive support to provinces for agricultural development, including the provision of fertilizers, quality seeds, modern machinery, and efficient water utilization techniques at affordable costs.

Ensuring fair prices for farmers, especially small and medium-scale ones, was identified as a priority. Discussions during the meeting also covered developments in agriculture in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, alongside other federal ministers and advisors, were present during the session.

Last week, National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain mentioned that Rabi crop targets would be determined after an illustrative wheat price was announced, acknowledging the challenges faced by farmers due to escalating input, energy, and transportation costs.