Chitral Times Report
ISLAMABAD: Ministry of National Food Security and Research(NFS&R) is ensuring supply of wheat at affordable price. In order to ensure food security of the country, this Ministry is mandated to arrange the requisite supply of wheat within the country. PASSCO, an attached organization of this ministry is working continuously to supply wheat to wheat deficit areas. The stock of public sector is being audited during the end of season. Provincial governments promulgated Anti Hoarding Act to ensure their wheat procurement drive and to achieve their procurement targets. This strategy of provinces not only restricted wheat/wheat seed movement but also created panic in the local market. Resultantly, wheat price escalation was observed, even during the months of its procurement. On the basis of production estimates of Provincial Crop Reporting Services, a gap of 1.411 million tones was identified between wheat availability and consumption. Strategy is being designed in consultation with provinces considering the concerns shown by wheat importers, in addition to steps taken for releases from public sector. Government is continuously working to ensure supply of wheat at affordable prices. Punjab has started their stock at the Release Price, whereas, Sindh has also been contacted to announce their “Wheat Release Policy”.