March 14, 2005

3.5 million tonnes wheat procurement target set in Pakistani province

On Sunday, Punjab government in Pakistan fixed a target to procure 3.5 million tonnes of wheat, with an assurance to purchase all the stock if the situation demanded.

Against the wishes of federal government and donor agencies, who had asked for the private sector to step in, Prime minister Pervaiz Elahi approved the target of 3.5 million tonnes.

Punjab food officials commented that the provincial government withstood donors pressure to get the 3.5 million tonnes, which would have otherwise threatened the food security.

The government had constituted a committee of agriculture and food ministers, agriculture, food, finance, planning and development secretaries and the Punjab chief secretary to oversee price stability and procurement mechanism and pace.

Punjab produced 2.5 million tonnes last year and imported 1.5 million tonnes, meaning that the country required 4 million tonnes of wheat to survive the season.