Documents reveal opposition to wheat importation by caretaker governments of Punjab and Sindh, despite federal approval.
Secretary Food Punjab's statement said Punjab held two million metric tons of surplus wheat when the National Food Security and Research meeting was held on December 29, 2023. The meeting highlighted wheat cultivation on 22.14 million acres nationwide, with a stock of 2.5 million metric tons.
The federal cabinet approved importing one million metric tonnes. Around 25 ships imported 1.269 million tons by December 17.
Punjab and Sindh food secretaries opposed further import.
Sindh wheat prices dropped from 4600 per maund to 44000 per maund post-import.
On March 25, 2024, Secretary Food Punjab urged the federal government to halt imports by March 31, citing an expected Punjab wheat production of 22-24 million metric tons against a demand of 15.55 million tons, with a 2.2 million metric tons surplus valued at Rs80 billion.
Federal Finance Minister objected to $9 million private sector wheat import on March 28, citing forex reserve concerns.
In a February 27 meeting, Punjab Food Department's two million metric tonnes surplus prompted further opposition to imports.
