The government says Pakistan was facing a net wheat deficit of 2.37 million metric tons (MMT) during the current year, WealthPK reported. Minister for National Food Security and Research Tariq Bashir Cheema informed the Senate through a written reply that the deficit has been estimated after the re-verification of carry-forward stock and total existing stock position.

The minister informed the Upper House of the Parliament that the total wheat available in the country this year was 28.42 MMT, the wheat production was 26.389 MMT, while carry forward stock was 2.031 MMT. Similarly, the national requirements were 30.79 MMT and thus net shortfall was 2.37 MMT. Quoting Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation Limited (PASSCO), Cheema said the government was expecting up to 3 MMT shortage. He said the government was committed to announcing a profitable support price before the next wheat sowing season.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk