The Government of Pakistan has declared that it will not import wheat this year, stating that the current reserves are sufficient to fulfill the country’s domestic needs.
On Thursday, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain affirmed that Pakistan’s wheat reserves are sufficient to meet domestic needs, and rejected rumors of potential wheat imports. He emphasized that the supply shortfall is negligible and assured that there is no reason for concern over the nation’s wheat stock levels.
The decision was confirmed during the 8th Wheat Board meeting, where it was noted that national wheat availability is at 33.47 million metric tons (MMT), just under the required 33.58 MMT, resulting in a minimal shortfall of only 0.11 MMT.
He reaffirmed that ample stocks of urea and other agricultural inputs are in place for the upcoming season, ensuring that there will be no obstacles to Rabi crop sowing.
Despite a surge in global fertilizer prices, Hussain stated that the government is actively regulating domestic rates to keep farming costs affordable. He stressed that the administration’s foremost priority is to safeguard and support local farmers, rather than catering to market forces or intermediaries.
Minister Hussain also warned against premature actions by provincial governments that could trigger market panic. He highlighted the need for stronger coordination between provincial and federal authorities to ensure effective implementation of agricultural policies, particularly in the context of the 18th Constitutional Amendment.
The meeting also focused on long-term strategies to strengthen food security, such as enhancing per-acre wheat productivity, integrating advanced agricultural technologies, and lowering production expenses through a range of farmer support programs.
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