ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) presented the report in the National Assembly (NA) that in line with IMF commitments, the federal government will not procure wheat this year.
However, in consultation with provinces and stakeholders, it will ensure adequate wheat availability without compromising farmers’ interests. The information was provided in a reply to a question by Muhammad Ahmed Chatta, who asked that whether it is a fact that the government has not yet made arrangements to purchase wheat for the current year, it has raised the concern that the country may face a shortage of this essential food item, leading to food insecurity.
The MNFSR told the National Assembly that current stocks and estimated 2025 production are sufficient to meet national needs for the 2025-26 food year, with no shortage expected this year. At present, there is no need to import wheat. However, following market deregulation, wheat may be imported or exported as needed in the future.
The federal government has taken the following steps to formulate a uniform wheat policy: National workshop on wheat deregulation was arranged on 24 Jan-2025 with all provincial/regional governments and private sector stakeholder.
Multiple meetings on consultation on new wheat policy with stakeholders at MNFSR were conducted. Secretary, MNFSR wrote two letters to Chief Secretaries of all provinces to get feedback on new wheat policy dated 20th December, 2024 and 4th March, 2025.
The prime minister has constituted a Cabinet Committee on wheat policy and four meetings of this committee have been convened.
Cabinet Committee on essential/cash crops under the chairmanship of the prime minister has also constituted to review the periodic performance of major crops including wheat. Two meetings of this committee have been convened so far under the chairmanship of deputy prime minister.
While in a reply to question of Sharmila Faroqui, MNFSR told the National Assembly that there is currently no food security crisis in the country, as essential food items remain sufficiently available. With effective measures by the government.
Previously the food inflation was at, record highs in May 2023 (48% in urban areas and 52% in rural areas) which has now dropped significantly to -1.7% and -5.4%, respectively, reflecting both price stability and improved supply.
The MNFSR has made significant strides in addressing the issue of food security in Pakistan. This is evident from recent statistics which show improvement in several key food security indicators.
These achievements reflect the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to ensure food availability, accessibility, and affordability across the country. However, despite these positive developments, several structural and systemic challenges continue to hinder the full realization of food security and poverty alleviation goals. Some of these challenges are outlined below:
Food security and poverty alleviation are inherently cross-sectoral, requiring strong coordination among various ministries such as MNFSR, Climate Change, Health, Water and Power, and Planning, Development & Special Initiatives.
The absence of a comprehensive, coordinated, and long-term strategy to address root causes—such as inefficient agricultural practices, climate vulnerabilities, and rapid population growth—has limited the effectiveness of policy interventions.
In a reply to another question, MNFSR presented a report of sugar production in the country and stated that as of 07-04-2025, the total sugar production, according to provincial cane commissioners, is estimated at 5.769 Million MT.
These stocks are sufficient to meet local consumption for the next 7 months, until 8th November 2025, at a rate of 0.550MMT per month.
In a reply to another question of Mir Jamal Khan Raisani with regard to current status of sugar reserves in the country, and how does the Ministry plan to control the prices of sugar, the Ministry of Industries and Production told the National Assembly that according to provincial cane commissioners 5.769MMT sugar produced in crop year 2024-25.
Last year, carryover stocks were 0.951MMT including last year’s exports allowed 0.411MMT which was exhausted till 15th January, 2025. Total lifting of sugar including exports was 2.796MMT and the remaining balance at mills was 3.952MMT.
These stocks are sufficient till second week of November 2025. Moreover, beet sugar of 0.080MMT is expected to be included in the stocks during May-July, 2025.
Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) intends to start next crushing season on 1st November, 2025, so that this year the consumption was taken for eleven (11) months and surplus sugar is available for the next crushing season.
The prime minister has taken a serious notice of surge in the prices of sugar and formulated a committee under chairmanship to the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) to address the issue.
The committee held its meetings on 17th, 19th and 28th March, 2025 during which it was decided that ex-mill and retail prices of sugar would remain less than Rs159/kg and Rs164/kg, respectively for one month till 19th April, 2025. Consequently, the price of sugar has plunged. The ministry is vigorously monitoring/analyzing the price of sugar.
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