Under special directive of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, more than 50,000 tons wheat has been released to the countrywide network of Utility Stores to provide flour at cheaper rates to consumers during Ramazan.
Joint Secretary, Food (JSF), Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (Minfal), Seerat Asghar, told APP on Saturday that there was no wheat crisis in the country. "Some elements are trying to create artificial wheat crisis to get undue benefit", he added.
He said that the government was keeping a close vigilance on the prices of daily-use items, particularly during the holy month of Ramazan. "All provincial governments have been asked to take stern action against profiteers and hoarders", he said.
JS, Food said that the Prime Minister had directed Passco to provide 50,000 tons wheat from its own stores for Ramazan package so that provision of flour at reduced prices can be ensured through Utility Stores. "Some millers in the country are trying to create crisis by November to gain more liquidity for next seasonal crop of rice," he said.
He made it clear that wheat procurement figure of 23.5 million tons was actual. He said that according to a study during last couple of years industrial use of wheat had increased. "Wheat is being used in animal feed, bakery items like noodles and pasta, which has increased its demand manifold," he added.
He pointed out that wheat prices in Pakistan's neighbouring countries, like India, Afghanistan, are comparatively higher. He said in India wheat price was 25 percent higher than Pakistan which, he added, was a big cause of its flow there. He said that provincial governments and all concerned authorities had been directed to stop illegal wheat export.