Pakistan faces no threat of food insecurity

Food minister says country has surplus wheat, rice, corn and sugar

LAHORE: Federal Minister of National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan has ruled out any threat of food insecurity, saying Pakistan has surplus stocks of wheat, rice, corn, sugar and other commodities.

Talking to media after holding a meeting with All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) Punjab Chapter President Aamir Fayyaz and other office-bearers at the Aptma House on Monday, Khan said the country had a bumper crop of corn in the current season and its yield also stood very high.



Though many crops, including gram, had been affected by low rainfall and other environmental factors, their production would improve as showers were expected next month, he stressed.

Responding to a question, the minister emphasised the need for putting greater focus on crop research to achieve higher agricultural production and that required joint efforts from the industry, farmers and government.

Noting the passage of the Plant Breeders Rights Bill and the Seed Amendment Bill through parliament recently, Bosan called it a major breakthrough as it would enable the private sector to conduct crop research on its own.

“This will not only help improve the overall agricultural produce, but will also lead to an increase in industrial exports,” he said.

In response to another question, the minister said the government had tried to ensure payments to the farmers and growers for their produce in accordance with the international prices and compared to previous years, cotton growers had received better prices in the current year.



“No doubt, prices of different commodities remained depressed not only in Pakistan, but also in the entire world, but the government made every effort to ensure that growers receive better prices.” Regarding the relief package sought by the textile industry, Bosan declared that a decision in that regard would be taken at the highest level after comprehensive consultations with the ministries of textile, finance and commerce.

“The Ministry of National Food Security will also give its input,” he said while assuring Aptma office-bearers of his support for resolving their problems pertaining to the ministry.

Earlier, Aptma Punjab President Aamir Fayyaz pointed out that they desired to increase textile sector’s exports from the current $12 billion to $20 billion by 2020. The industry, farming community and government would have to work as a team to achieve the great task, he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2017.

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