Islamabad:
The Federal Minister of National Food Security and Research, Frog Tanveer Hussain, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to guarantee food self -sufficiency by protecting farmers and stabilizing the wheat market.
By chairing the eighth meeting of the Trigo Board, Hussain reviewed the demand and supply position of the country and the availability of critical contributions for the next season of Rabi 2025-26.
According to the statement of the Ministry issued on Thursday, the minister said that the national availability of wheat is 33.47 million metric tons (MMT) against a 33.58 mmt requirement, leaving a deficit of only 0.11 mmt. Hussain said this gap is insignificant and said there is no alarming situation with respect to actions.
He made it clear that Pakistan will not import wheat in current circumstances, since existing reserves are sufficient to meet national requirements. The minister emphasized that the main priority of the government is to protect and benefit local farmers instead of markets or intermediaries.
He reiterated that abundant urea supplies and other supplies are available for the next season, which guarantees the planting of Rabi crops will not face limitations. Despite the increase in international fertilizer prices, the government is monitoring and controlling national prices to maintain manageable costs for farmers, Hussain said.
The Food Minister warned that strict or abrupt regulatory actions at the provincial level, particularly in Punjab, could create panic and worsen the market situation unnecessarily. He pointed out that after the 18th constitutional amendment, the powers were transmitted to the provinces, which sometimes creates challenges to harmonize national agricultural policies. He requested greater coordination between federal and provincial governments for the implementation of soft policies.
The minister said that long -term food security depends on higher wheat yields by ACRE and reduces production costs through improved technology, efficient use of supplies and support programs for farmers. He urged interested parties to focus on sustainable solutions instead of temporary solutions, emphasizing that empowering farmers is essential to achieve self -sufficiency in wheat production. The meeting concluded with a resolution that the Ministry, in close collaboration with the provinces, will take all necessary measures to safeguard the interests of farmers and guarantee uninterrupted food supplies for people.
