January 31, 2012

Pakistan not facing wheat scarcity

Pakistan is not facing wheat scarcity and is in a position to export it, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan said Sunday (Jan 29).

The government was trying its best to minimise economic burden on the farmers by enhancing wheat support price from INR450 (US$9.06) to INR1,150 (US$23.16), besides ensuring quality seed, fertiliser and providing subsidy on electricity, she added

The minister said the government had focused its special attention on the promotion of agro-based sector because 70% of the country's population was engaged with this sector.

She also said the government has evolved a strategy for providing basic amenities in rural and far-flung areas, which were neglected in the past.

This would be helpful in discouraging rapid migration from rural to urban areas, she said, adding it would also help in reducing the population burden on big cities.

Pakistan has an estimated population of 180 million.