Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has taken decisive action to address the pressing issue of wheat supply and pricing. During a meeting focused on the wheat release policy, Shah underscored his government’s determination to ensure a stable and sufficient supply of wheat to maintain affordable prices for essential staples like flour and bread.
The crucial gathering, held at the CM House, was attended by a host of key officials, including Agriculture Minister Muhammad Bux Mahar, Minister Makhdoom Mehboobuz Zaman, and Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah. The discussions centered on the existing wheat stocks and the strategic measures needed to safeguard the market against price volatility.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment, CM Shah highlighted the availability of 1.2 million tons of wheat in Sindh, complemented by an additional 600,000 tons held by the private sector. These reserves are projected to last for four and a half months, aligning with the anticipated new harvest.
In a move to expedite the process, Shah instructed the food minister to draft a detailed wheat release policy, emphasizing the need for its finalization within the week. He also stressed the importance of setting a competitive price to ensure market stability.
Food Minister Makhdoom Mahboob provided insights into the monthly release of approximately 250,000 tons of wheat and mentioned his forthcoming proposals for the new policy. Meanwhile, CM Shah reiterated support for small-scale wheat farmers, offering fertilizer incentives to boost production and affirming his intention to establish a favorable support price.
The meeting concluded with a clear directive from the chief minister: prioritize the wheat release policy to safeguard both supply and prices amid growing concerns.