Govt rules out wheat imports as reserves hold steady

The federal government has decided not to import wheat, saying local reserves are enough to meet national needs.

The decision was confirmed at the eighth meeting of the Wheat Board, chaired by Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain. Officials reviewed the demand and supply of wheat along with other agricultural inputs for the upcoming Rabi season.

According to figures shared at the meeting, the country’s wheat stock is 33.47 million metric tonnes, while the national requirement stands at 33.58 million tonnes. The slight shortfall, the minister said, would not affect market stability.

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Hussain underlined that the government’s priority is to safeguard farmers’ interests rather than those of middlemen and traders. He assured that supplies of urea and other fertilisers for Rabi crops have been secured, with steps taken to keep their prices under control across the country.

The minister also cautioned that unnecessary restrictions by provincial authorities could trigger panic buying in markets.

The announcement comes as farmers prepare for the winter sowing season, which is critical for ensuring food security.