Govt to import 200,000 MT of urea

Minister warns of strict measures against smuggling

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Industries, and Production and National Food Security, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has announced that the government will import 200,000 metric tonnes of urea to ensure an uninterrupted supply to farmers.

According to a press statement released on Thursday, Hussain made this announcement while chairing a high-level committee meeting to review actions taken to ensure the fertiliser supply chain and prices in the country.

The committee meeting was attended by federal ministers Sardar Awais Leghari and Mussadaq Malik, as well as Members of the National Assembly Syed Khurshid Shah, Moeen Wattoo, Azhar Khan Leghari, Fatehullah Khan, and Nawabzada Mir Jamal Khan Raisani. Federal Secretary for Food Security Muhammad Fakhar-e-Alam and Federal Secretary for Industries Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry were also present at the meeting.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on measures taken regarding the supply chain of fertilisers and their prices. The federal minister emphasised the importance of ensuring urea supply during the upcoming sowing season and informed that 200,000 metric tonnes of urea are being imported to meet the targets.

The federal minister said the government is committed to stopping fertiliser smuggling and ensuring the equal distribution of urea at affordable prices. Stringent monitoring will be conducted of dealers and distributors involved in black marketing, he said.

Hussain assured that the protection of farmers’ interests is a top priority for the government and that all fertiliser companies and dealers will be required to supply urea at the same rates. He said a comprehensive strategy has been formed to control urea black marketing.

The minister urged the provinces to actively participate in implementing the federal government’s actions and closely monitor fertiliser distributors and dealers. Strict measures will be taken against those involved in black marketing to ensure transparency, he maintained.

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to stopping the exploitation of farmers by the fertiliser mafia and pledged not to tolerate any negligence in providing fertilisers to farmers. He said agencies will be engaged to bring transparency and merit into the system, and accountability for those involved in illegal practices will be ensured. “Farmers can rest assured that their interests will be protected and their needs for fertilisers will be met without any delay or compromise,” he concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 31^st, 2024.

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