Food minister signals policy review

Opposition alleges govt stalling wheat purchase

LAHORE:

Punjab's Food Minister Bilal Yaseen steered discussions on the government's wheat policy during consecutive sittings, sparking anticipation among farmers and lawmakers alike.

With expectations high for relief measures, Yaseen diverged from the ongoing policy, emphasising the need for revisions to ensure a more sustainable approach.

He disclosed that meetings were underway to refine the policy, aiming to eradicate what he termed as the "dung tapao policy" and striving for a permanent solution.

Unusually, both treasury and opposition lawmakers found common ground in criticising the current wheat policy, labelling it a "farmer enemy policy" that exploits farmers and undermines the economy. Amidst this consensus, calls emerged for a thorough review of the policy to prioritise farmer relief and transparency in governmental actions.

On April 29, Speaker Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, facilitated extensive discussions on the wheat policy, inviting Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman to address the assembly. However, instead of providing concrete steps, Rehman hinted at nearing resolutions in ongoing negotiations, deferring detailed updates until the matter's conclusion by April 30.

Expressing a sense of urgency, Speaker Khan signalled a potential adjournment unless substantial progress was made, underscoring the assembly's keenness to address farmer concerns promptly.

As the April 30 session commenced, anticipation swelled for announcements benefiting farmers. However, Minister Yaseen reiterated his stance against the current wheat policy, citing ongoing meetings among food secretaries and a fact-finding committee tasked with investigating past decisions on wheat imports.

Yaseen pledged to accommodate opposition proposals and highlighted concerns over the financial burdens of wheat procurement, emphasising the need for corrective measures.

He underscored the discontent among rural and urban populations, citing criticisms of support prices and rising costs of agricultural inputs.

With wheat stocks abundant but burdensome on government finances, Yaseen vowed to prioritize relief for small-scale farmers, distancing the government from what he termed as a temporary fix, and advocating for a long-term, sustainable solution.

However, as Yaseen concluded his address, opposition members voiced frustration over perceived governmental inaction, accusing the government of prolonging deliberations without tangible outcomes surrounding wheat policy and farmer welfare.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 1^st, 2024.