Government decides to import one million tonnes of wheat

The government has decided to import one million tonnes wheat in addition to 1.5 million tonnes previously approved by the Economic Co-ordination Committee (ECC), to build the strategic reserves for meeting country''s future needs.
The decision was taken by the Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani here on Monday while chairing a meeting reviewing the food situation in the country and directed the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to import in total 2.5 million tonnes wheat.
He also directed that agreement with Rice Export Association Pakistan (Reap) regarding availability of 200,000 tonnes of rice to Utility Stores Corporation and maintenance of additional reserves of 300,000 tonnes should be ensured and implemented in letter and spirit.
This, he said, would ensure adequate supply of rice to the consumers at reasonable price. He also directed to review the situation to ensure adequate supply of pulses such as grams, masoor, mung and mash in the market. He observed that food shortage is a global phenomenon whose effects are being felt in every country including Pakistan and the government is taking timely measures for meeting these challenges.
Ensuring food security, he said, particularly of a staple item like wheat is the top priority of the government and provincial governments and law enforcement agencies were asked to take effective measures for controlling smuggling and hoarding of wheat besides taking strict action against profiteers. Secretary Minfal briefed the meeting about the wheat procurement situation in the country, saying that targets of procurement will be ensured in all the four provinces, besides active buying by the Pasco itself.
The meeting also reviewed the rice stocks and supply situation as well as pulses was discussed in detail and the Prime Minister was told that the country has surplus reserves of Irri, the most widely consumed variety in Pakistan.
Earlier, in a separate meeting Senior Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan gave the Prime Minister a general overview of the food situation in the country. Federal Minister for Finance, Ishaq Dar, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Secretary Commerce, Secretary Cabinet, Secretary Finance, Secretary Food and Agriculture also attended the meeting.