Federal, Sindh Governments rule out wheat imports

ISLAMABAD: The federal and Sindh governments have agreed to take measures to enhance domestic wheat production and have ruled out any possibility of wheat imports.

Federal Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer, accompanied by a delegation, met Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, where Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah and Special Assistant on Food Jabbar Khan were also present.

During the meeting, it was decided that instead of relying on imports, efforts would be focused on supporting and encouraging local farmers. Both sides also agreed to formulate a national wheat policy in consultation with the provinces to address long-term food security challenges.

Officials briefed the meeting that the price of wheat in the open market currently ranges between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 4,000 per 40kg. It was emphasized that a comprehensive policy should ensure maximum benefit for farmers rather than middlemen. The participants stressed that wheat imports must be avoided under all circumstances.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has emphasized the need for a fair support price for farmers to boost wheat cultivation and ensure food security, warning that neglecting farmers would further reduce wheat sowing across the country.

Sindh CM said that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto had already highlighted the looming threat of food insecurity.

He noted that last year wheat sowing dropped by 6%, stressing that only a viable support price would encourage farmers to increase cultivation.

Murad Ali Shah revealed that Sindh produces 3.452 million metric tons of wheat annually, with 1.385 million metric tons currently in stock.

He added that multiple meetings had been held to review the wheat needs and reserves of Sindh and Balochistan, and available stocks would suffice until the arrival of the new crop.

He admitted that not setting a support price last year was a “grave mistake,” which caused significant losses for farmers, forcing many to sell their land. “We must encourage our farmers and increase production to strengthen food security,” he remarked.

Federal Minister Rana Tanveer, on the occasion, said that he was meeting the Sindh CM on the directives of the Prime Minister.

He underscored that the federal government wants adequate strategic wheat reserves in place and confirmed that he had also discussed wheat requirements and stockpiles with the Punjab Chief Minister.