Wheat shortage
The recent report released by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research on a potential wheat production shortfall of around 1.6 million tonnes is a cause for concern. Both production and cultivation are way below the expected demand target and this is bound to cause serious problems in the near future.
The country is already grappling with high wheat flour prices, and any further shortfall is likely to hit both middle- and low-income households, who rely on wheat as a staple food, the hardest. The situation demands urgent attention from the government, farmers and other stakeholders. Officials need to take proactive steps to address the root causes of the shortfall, such as a shortage of water, lack of support for farmers, and inefficient farming practices. The most immediate short-term remedy that the government can opt for is importing wheat. This will come with consequences and, apart from raising the price even further, dent the exchequer. From a long-term perspective, there is a need to explore non-conventional strategies and invest heavily in local agricultural production. This can be achieved by introducing modern farming techniques, such as precision agriculture, and diversifying crops grown in areas where water is scarce or inadequate for wheat cultivation. Then there is also the unacknowledged problem of self-interest. Those at the helm are often seen taking advantage of the situation by creating artificial shortages and making money from import and export. This corrupt practice must end and the export of food items curtailed until local demand is met.
The shortage of wheat is not just an economic issue but also a grave food security issue. The government must ensure that the population has access to affordable and nutritious food to live a healthy life. In a developing country like Pakistan, all stakeholders must eventually work together to find sustainable solutions for a secure future.
.Published in The Express Tribune, April 22nd, 2023.
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