Islamabad:
The Federal Minister of National Food Safety and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has confirmed the government’s obligation to ensure the self -sufficiency of food by protecting farmers and stabilizing the wheat market.
With the chairman of the 8th wheat board meeting, Hussain reviewed the country’s wheat demand and supply position and the availability of critical input for the upcoming Rabi season 2025-26.
According to the Ministry’s statement, which was issued on Thursday, the Minister noted that the national wheat availability is 33.47 million tons (MMT) against a claim of 33.58 MMT, leaving a deficit of only 0.11 MMT. Hussain said this hole is insignificant and ensured that there is no alarming situation with regard to shares.
He made it clear that Pakistan will not import wheat under the current circumstances, as existing reserves are enough to meet national requirements. The Minister emphasized that the government’s highest priority is to protect and benefit local farmers rather than markets or middlemen.
He reiterated that copious supplies of urea and other inputs are available for the upcoming season, ensuring that sowing rabi crops are not facing restrictions. Despite rising international fertilizer prices, the government is monitoring domestic prices to keep costs manageable for farmers, Hussain assured.
The Minister of Food warned that strict or sudden legislative actions at the provincial level, especially in Punjab, could create panic and exacerbate the market situation unnecessarily. He noted that the powers after the 18th constitutional amendment were transferred to provinces, which sometimes creates challenges in harmonizing national agricultural policies. He called for stronger coordination between federal and provincial governments for smooth police implementation.
The minister said long -term food security depends on higher per acre wheat yields and reduced production costs through improved technology, effective input use and peasant support programs. He urged stakeholders to focus on sustainable solutions instead of temporary corrections, and emphasized that strengthening farmers is central to gaining confidence in wheat production. The meeting was concluded with a decision that the ministry in close cooperation with provinces will take all the necessary steps to protect farmers’ interests and ensure uninterrupted food supply to the people.
