Pakistan’s Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has assured that there is no risk of a wheat shortage in the country, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ interests and maintaining market stability.
Chairing the eighth meeting of the Wheat Board, the minister reviewed the national wheat supply and demand situation, as well as the availability of key crops for the upcoming Rabi season. He stated that wheat stocks currently stand at 33.47 million metric tons against a national requirement of 33.58 million metric tons, highlighting that the shortfall of just 0.11 million metric tons is insignificant and poses no cause for concern.
Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized that, under current conditions, Pakistan will not import wheat as domestic reserves are sufficient to meet national needs. He also reiterated that protecting local farmers remains the government’s top priority, rather than serving market intermediaries or traders.
To support the upcoming Rabi sowing season, the minister assured that ample supplies of urea and other agricultural inputs have been secured so that farmers face no hurdles. Despite the global increase in fertilizer prices, he noted that the government continues to strictly regulate local fertilizer prices to keep production costs manageable for farmers.
The minister warned that unnecessary or stringent provincial policies, particularly in Punjab, could create panic in the market and disrupt the situation. He pointed out that following the 18th constitutional amendment, powers have shifted to the provinces, sometimes complicating the uniform implementation of agricultural policies at the national level. He called for greater coordination between federal and provincial governments to ensure effective policy enforcement.
Rana Tanveer Hussain further highlighted the need for sustainable food security by increasing per-acre wheat yields and reducing production costs. He stressed that this requires the adoption of modern technology, efficient use of resources, and consistent farmer support. Rather than relying on short-term solutions, he called for long-term strategies to empower farmers and achieve self-sufficiency in wheat production.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from the ministry to work closely with provincial governments to protect farmers’ interests and ensure uninterrupted wheat supplies for the public.
