Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture Nazar Muhammad Gondal has said that the country is chasing its record wheat procurement target of 6.5 million tons. Addressing a press conference here, he said that government had to work hard to convince growers to bring maximum area under wheat cultivation. In this connection, wheat support price was increased well in time in addition to other policy measures to provide agriculture loans and inputs at subsidised rates.
The government also provided other facilities at the door steps of growers, he said and added that this year wheat was cultivated on an additional area of 21 million acres. The climatic condition also remained suitable and Pakistan is now set to harvest a bumper wheat crop of 6.5 million tons.
He said that Punjab has been given target of 3.5 million tons while Sindh will contribute 1.2 million tons. Similarly, Pasco will also procure 1.5 million tons during this drive. He said that wheat procurement will help stabilise national economy in addition to making Pakistan self sufficient in food production.
He lauded the pro-poor policies of PPP government and said that Rs 34 billions are being distributed among deserving people under Benazir Income Support Programme. In addition to it, Punjab government was also distributing Rs 22 billion under food support programme, he added.
Responding to a question about increase in wheat support price, he said that it would also help the check of smuggling of this vital commodity. He said, last year Pakistan had to spend Rs 80 billion on wheat import to meet its domestic needs.
He hoped that this year Pakistan would attain complete food autarky. He mentioned that steps taken for the welfare and betterment of the people and said that all democratic forces should join hands to strengthen the democratic system in Pakistan. Senior Punjab Minister Raja Riaz Ahmed was also present during this press conference.