ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s wheat production this year is estimated to be 1.36 million metric tons higher than last year’s harvest, the government said on Saturday, adding that the increase had left the country with sufficient stocks and no wheat shortages despite concerns over rising prices.
The assessment was announced after Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain chaired a meeting attended by provincial officials and industry representatives to review wheat production, availability, procurement and market conditions.
“It is an encouraging development that Pakistan’s wheat production this year is estimated to be 1.36 million metric tons higher than last year’s production,” Hussain said, according to a statement circulated by his ministry after the meeting.
The ministry said representatives of all provinces unanimously informed the meeting that adequate wheat stocks were available and that there was no shortage anywhere in the country.
Pakistan has experienced recurring wheat market disruptions in recent years, with procurement shortfalls, private stockpiling and price volatility prompting governments to impose market controls and anti-hoarding measures.
Last year, the country faced a different problem caused by reduced state procurement following a strong harvest, leading to a fall in farm-gate prices and triggering protests by growers.
The minister directed federal and provincial authorities to strengthen market surveillance, maintain close coordination and take prompt action against practices that disrupt wheat supplies or lead to unjustified price increases, the statement said.
