There is no shortage of essential food items as wheat, rice, maize , potato and other essential food is sufficient in stock to cater for food security. The Food Secretary briefed NFRCC chaired by Deputy Chairman Mr Ahsan Iqbal and co chaired by Chairman NDMA Lt General Akhter Nawaz and  National Coordinator NFRCC Major General Muhammad Zafar Iqbal. The forum was apprised of latest update of Met and flood situation. Secretary NF S&R presented a detail update regarding wheat stocks in the country and ensured that No shortage of wheat / rice / maize / sugar is expected in future as sufficient stocks are already available in country which remained secured during recent flooding. Secretary Food Security and Research explained that there is no shortage of essential food items in country and the reports in this regard are false and baseless.

He explained that Pakistan Annual requirement of wheat is 30.5 Mn Tons whereas 2 million tons are Strategic Reserve however in present situation, 7.07 Mn tons including 2 Mn Tons for seeds are available in country which is approximately 153 days of stock which is sufficient enough after that new wheat production will be harvested. Moreover early procurement of seeds will be ensured for the next season. The Forum was informed that Import of tomato and onion   on fast track is in progress.  The only problem being faced is damage to communication infrastructure due to which disrupted transportation of various commodities in flood affected areas.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP