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ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has said a proposal to increase the price of wheat is under consideration, with the federal government expected to take a final decision.
Speaking at a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, Tanveer said a higher wheat price could encourage farmers to increase cultivation. However, he said the government could not raise the price to Rs5,500 per maund.
The minister said raids had been conducted in provinces over reported wheat shortages, but officials were unable to recover sufficient stocks. He added that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had approved the import of wheat.
Tanveer said the federal government faced difficulties when importing wheat for the provinces, claiming that provinces sometimes took the wheat but failed to make timely payments. He said the government would consider allowing provinces to import wheat directly to meet their requirements.
According to the minister, imported wheat would cost around Rs4,300 per maund. Tanveer also spoke about measures to support small farmers and said those willing to move towards corporate farming would be provided with fertiliser and agricultural machinery free of cost.
The minister’s comments come amid concerns over wheat availability, farmer incentives and the cost of food in the country. Any increase in the official wheat price could have implications for flour prices and the cost of staple food for consumers.
The proposed price increase is yet to be approved, with the federal government expected to review the recommendation before making a final decision.
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