Govt rules out wheat imports

Food minister assures reserves meet national needs, urges provinces to avoid panic-inducing policies

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring food self-sufficiency by protecting farmers and stabilising the wheat market.

Chairing the 8th Wheat Board meeting, Hussain reviewed the country's wheat demand and supply position and the availability of critical inputs for the upcoming Rabi season 2025-26.

According to the ministry's statement issued on Thursday, the minister noted that national wheat availability stands at 33.47 million metric tonnes (MMT) against a requirement of 33.58 MMT, leaving a shortfall of only 0.11 MMT. Hussain said this gap is insignificant and assured there is no alarming situation regarding stocks.

He made it clear that Pakistan will not import wheat under the present circumstances, as existing reserves are enough to meet national requirements. The minister stressed that the government's top priority is to protect and benefit local farmers rather than markets or middlemen.

He reiterated that abundant supplies of urea and other inputs are available for the upcoming season, ensuring sowing of Rabi crops will not face constraints. Despite rising international fertiliser prices, the government is monitoring and controlling domestic prices to keep costs manageable for farmers, assured Hussain.

The food minister warned that strict or abrupt regulatory actions at the provincial level, particularly in Punjab, could create panic and worsen the market situation unnecessarily. He noted that after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, powers were devolved to provinces, which sometimes creates challenges in harmonising national agricultural policies. He called for stronger coordination between federal and provincial governments for smooth policy implementation.

The minister said long-term food security depends on higher per-acre wheat yields and reduced production costs through improved technology, efficient input use, and farmer support programmes. He urged stakeholders to focus on sustainable solutions instead of temporary fixes, stressing that empowering farmers is central to achieving self-reliance in wheat production. The meeting concluded with a resolve that the ministry, in close collaboration with provinces, will take all necessary steps to safeguard farmers' interests and ensure uninterrupted food supplies for the people.