Body to oversee wheat seed movement

ISLAMABAD:

Acting on the direction of the prime minister, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research has moved to resolve the issue of inter-provincial movement of wheat seed, which has faced delays despite companies meeting prescribed procedures.

Food Security Secretary Amir Muhyuddin chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad to address the problem. The session was attended by secretaries of provincial agriculture and food departments, directors general of agriculture, and senior ministry officials.

Participants discussed reports that the transportation of wheat seed between provinces was being hindered even when seed companies had fulfilled all agreed standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Provincial representatives, however, said that convoys carrying the required movement documents were being allowed to proceed. They added that their departments had already issued directives to relevant food authorities to ensure smooth movement on a priority basis.

To maintain oversight and ensure coordination, a high-level supervisory committee headed by the food security secretary was constituted. The committee will convene every Wednesday to review progress and address any emerging challenges related to seed transportation.

It was also decided that the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSC&RD) will depute its officers at key check-posts along inter-provincial routes, particularly those connecting Punjab with other provinces. These officers will assist provincial food departments in verifying documentation and expediting the movement of certified seed consignments.

The meeting reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring an uninterrupted seed supply ahead of the upcoming wheat cultivation season, recognising that timely delivery of certified seed is essential for achieving production targets and strengthening national food security.

A few days back, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government had requested that the Punjab government withdraw "restrictive measures" on the inter-provincial movement of wheat and wheat products, citing a "sharp escalation" in the prices of the essential commodity in the province.

In the aftermath of floods, the Punjab government began tightening controls on the inter-provincial movement of wheat and flour through a permit regime to curb price hikes within the province - a move that has particularly been denounced by KP amid soaring prices and wheat shortage.

In a letter addressed to secretary price control & commodities management department, Punjab, the KP food department said, "It is earnestly requested to take urgent and decisive action to ensure immediate withdrawal of all restrictions on the inter-provincial movement of wheat".