September 23, 2010

Pakistan's wheat stock to suffice amid floods

The Pakistani federal cabinet was informed on Wednesday (Sep 22) that the country had sufficient supply of wheat, rice and pulses despite massive crop losses in floods.

Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said the country had a wheat stock of over 10 million tones, while total demand was eight million tonnes. The minister said additional stocks will be rolled over to next year to meet any shortage arising due to flood devastation. He said the meeting decided that all available resources would be mobilised for the rehabilitation and return of flood-affected families.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said the government had decided to provide free fertiliser and seeds to farmers having 25 acres of land.

Responding to questions about price hike, the information minister said the provincial governments should evolve a mechanism to check prices of essential commodities and hoarding.