Pakistan: Government urged to import wheat to counter flour crisis

Published 2023년 5월 30일

Tridge summary

The Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) is seeking government approval to import one million tonnes of wheat to prevent a flour crisis due to hoarding during provincial procurement. The imported wheat would cost significantly less than local wheat, but concerns about flour quality have been raised. The PFMA attributes the current price crisis to corruption and inefficiency in the procurement process, with provincial governments limiting private sector procurement and experiencing procurement shortfalls. The PFMA is proposing making wheat a national subject, allowing year-round imports, and continuing procurement throughout the season to address these issues.

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Original content

The Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) has made an urgent plea to the federal government for permission to import one million tonnes of wheat in a bid to avert an impending flour crisis caused by the hoarding of grain during the provincial procurement drive. The association warns that if action is not taken promptly, the nation will face an artificial scarcity of flour. Speaking to the Express Tribune, PFMA South Zone Chairman, Chaudhry Amir Abdullah revealed that the proposal to import the wheat had been submitted to the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, and the ministry is currently reviewing it. After chairing a national-level meeting held in Pishin, Balochistan, Abdullah emphasised the need for immediate action. The imported wheat, if approved, would cost millers around Rs85-90/kg, significantly lower than the current price of locally grown wheat, which stands at Rs125/kg. This price differential would translate into a retail price of approximately Rs110/kg ...

Source: UkrAgroConsult