Shehbaz raises wheat procurement targets after complaints from farmers

Prime Minister has not only elevated the federal procurement target from 1.4 lakh tonnes to 1.8 lakh metric tonnes.

Islamabad; Shehbaz raises wheat procurement targets after complaints from farmers.  In response to mounting grievances from farmers across the nation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday swiftly took action issuing directives for the federal government to expedite the procurement of wheat.

In a bid to alleviate the concerns of agricultural stakeholders, the Prime Minister has not only elevated the federal procurement target from 1.4 lakh tonnes to 1.8 lakh metric tonnes but has also urged the Pakistan Agricultural Storage & Services Corporation (PASCO) to promptly engage in wheat purchases by the revised quota.

Transparency has been underscored as a cornerstone of this procurement process, with Shehbaz Sharif emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity and fairness in all transactions. This move comes amidst reports of discontent among farmers, who have voiced their dismay over the prevailing wheat prices, which fall short of their expectations.

Despite the Punjab government’s fixed price of Rs 3,900 per maund, farmers lament having to sell their produce at a considerably lower rate of Rs 3,200 per maund.

While the Punjab Food Department previously announced an existing stock of 2.3 lakh tonnes of wheat in government storehouses, concerns over pricing differentials persist.

To address these complexities and chart a comprehensive policy framework, a dedicated three-member ministerial committee has been tasked with formulating and presenting a cohesive strategy for wheat procurement.

Meanwhile,

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to participate in a special meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on ‘Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development’ being held from April 28-29.

Riyadh Deputy Governor Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Aziz, Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia and embassy staff received the prime minister and his delegation at the Riyadh royal airport.

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The premier was invited to attend the WEF meeting by Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and WEF Founder and Executive Chairman Professor Klaus Schwab.

According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the prime minister is accompanied by a high level delegation including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.

The prime minister and the ministers will participate in WEF discussions on issues related to trade and investment measures, new investment frameworks, restructuring of supply chains, sustainable growth and the energy landscape.

The high-level participation in the forum will afford an important opportunity to present Pakistan’s priorities specifically in global health architecture, inclusive growth, revitalising regional collaboration and the need for striking a balance between promoting growth and energy consumption.

On the margins of the main event, the prime minister and his delegation will hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, including the Saudi leadership, heads of international organisations and other prominent figures participating in the event.

About 1,000 leaders from business, government and academia will participate in the special meeting on ‘Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development’, WEF said in a press statement.

The meeting, April 28–29, will focus on new pathways to reinvigorate growth globally amid the challenges posed by an increasingly fragmented geopolitical and economic environment.

It will revolve around three themes: revitalising global collaboration; a compact for inclusive growth; and catalysing action on energy for development, it was added.

The event bridges the growing North-South divide, which has further widened on issues such as emerging economic policies, the energy transition and geopolitical shocks.

Shehbaz raises wheat procurement targets after complaints from farmers