Islamabad:
The Federal Minister of National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring food self -sufficiency by protecting farmers and stabilizing the wheat market.
Chairing the 8th meeting of the Board of Directors of Blé, Hussain examined the position of the country’s demand and supply of wheat and the availability of critical inputs for the next RABI 2025-26 season.
According to the Department of the Ministry published Thursday, the Minister noted that the availability of national wheat amounts to 33.47 million metric tonnes (MMT) against a requirement of 33.58 mmt, leaving a deficit of only 0.11 mmt. Hussain said this gap is insignificant and assured that there is no alarming situation concerning actions.
He clearly indicated that Pakistan would not anything in the current circumstances, because the existing reserves are sufficient to meet national requirements. The Minister stressed that the absolute priority of the government is to protect and benefit local farmers rather than markets or intermediaries.
He reiterated that abundant supplies of urea and other inputs are available for the coming season, guaranteeing the sowing of Rabi crops will not face constraints. Despite the increase in international fertilizers, the government monitors and controls internal prices to maintain manageable costs for farmers, Hussain assured.
The Minister of Food warned that strict or steep regulatory actions at the provincial level, in particular in Punjab, could create panic and worsen the situation of the market unnecessarily. He noted that after the 18th constitutional amendment, powers were devoted to the provinces, which sometimes creates challenges by harmonizing national agricultural policies. He called for stronger coordination between federal and provincial governments for the smooth implementation of policies.
The Minister said that long -term food security depended on higher ACRE wheat yields and reduced production costs thanks to improved technology, effective use of inputs and farmers’ support programs. He urged stakeholders to focus on lasting solutions instead of temporary correction, stressing that farmers’ empowerment is at the heart of the wheat production. The meeting ended with a determination that the ministry, in close collaboration with the provinces, will take all the measures necessary to protect the interests of farmers and ensure uninterrupted food supplies for people.
