April 26, 2010

Pakistan's plan to export surplus wheat welcome by neighbouring countries

Pakistani government's decision to export two million tonnes of surplus wheat has yielded overwhelming responses from Iraq, Iran and Bangladesh, federal minister for Food & Agriculture, Nazar Muhammad Gondal said.

The minister was presiding over an internal meeting at his office to overview the procurement of wheat and progress in the export of wheat.

Gondal reiterated the government resolves to guarantee the announced support price of PKR950 (US$11.30) per 40 kg to the farmers. He said that 950,000 tonnes of wheat have been procured so far in Punjab and Sindh by provincial food departments and PASSCO.

The minister said that the decision of the cabinet to export the surplus wheat was followed by formal contacts with certain countries with the help of the ministry of commerce. Countries including Bangladesh, Iran and Iraq have so far reacted positively and the government is seriously considering export of wheat to these countries.