Islamabad, In a crucial move to support the agricultural sector, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has issued directives to relevant ministries and provincial authorities to ensure the availability of fertilizers to farmers at government-notified rates. This decision was made during a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar in Islamabad today.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the ECC emphasized the need for strict enforcement against fertilizer dealers who charge farmers more than the prescribed prices. This move is seen as a vital step to protect farmers from undue financial strain and to sustain agricultural productivity amidst challenging economic conditions.

The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, along with the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, briefed the ECC on the current inflation scenario. The briefing highlighted that while inflationary pressures have been persistent, there has been a decline from the peak of 38 percent recorded in May. However, recent adjustments in energy prices have led to a spike in inflation, reaching 29.2 percent last month.

Notably, inflationary expectations are reported to be at their lowest in nearly a year, with exchange rate stability playing a key role in this trend. This information underscores the complex economic challenges facing Pakistan, including managing inflation while ensuring the stability and growth of essential sectors like agriculture.

The ECC’s directives reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring that farmers, a critical component of the national economy, have access to necessary resources like fertilizer at affordable rates. This measure is expected to have a significant impact on agricultural productivity and overall economic stability.