Soaring flour prices deprive many of basic nutrition

For low-income families, already struggling with the back-breaking inflation, the surge in wheat flour prices has made life tougher, leaving millions in the southern port city with no choice but to rely on inferior sources of nutrition.

According to data gathered by the Express Tribune, prices of the essential commodity, have been jacked up by 62 per cent, pushing the per kg cost above the limit of affordability for many. The upsurge in prices of flour and bread has not only perturbed Karachi’s financially challenged residents, but also forced many to change their consumption habits.

“The cost of flour has increased to almost Rs 160 per kg. Given that it takes almost 5 kg of flour every day to feed three meals to our family of eight, the daily average cost of flour takes away up to half of my husband’s earnings. As an alternative, we have started relying heavily on rice for most of our meals,” said Zubiadah Naz, a daily-wager’s spouse.

While rice is a common alternative to bread, it is not the only one. Much emphasis is placed on the consumption of other cheap carbohydrate rich foods like pulses and potatoes. Rashid, a pan seller, complained about how “living with two children he could not afford to spend half his wage on flour alone and as a result has switched to lentils.”

Similarly, Shahnaz, a widow with a family of ten living off a meagre income, revealed that “she has reduced the consumption of flour in her house by regularly incorporating meals like potato chips, rice and tea into the daily meal plan”. This switch to alternative sources of nutrition has, however, been advised against by health care professionals who view the nutritional content of rice and potatoes with an eye of suspicion.

Health experts believe over consumption of rice can negatively impact human health. “Consumption of rice in large amounts can also lead to diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues. In addition, it is particularly unhealthy for people with diabetes,” cautioned Dr. Muhammad Obaid, who serves as Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Civil Hospital.

According to the health practitioner, consumption of bread should be limited to four days a week and rice and potatoes, only for three, to maintain optimal health.

When contacted, the Sindh Food Authority, a government body responsible for safe and sufficient supply of food, assured that the provincial administration remains committed to providing the essential commodity to impoverished families at affordable rates. “Efforts have been made to provide the essential food item through the ‘Sasta Atta programme,” the department’s spokesperson said.

Tall claims did not end there. The authority’s media representative not only dismissed reports about the possible shortage of wheat in the province, but also went on to state that the government plans to provide flour at Rs 95 per kg in the future.

However, the situation on the ground continues to contradict claims made by the official. According to Arif, employed at a private institution, the government’s promise of lowering flour prices was all in vain since neither the prices have been lowered nor the extra supply of wheat flour has been guaranteed.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2023.