Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, chaired the 13th meeting of the National Wheat Oversight Committee (NWOC) to address issues related to wheat procurement, seed regulation, and policy development. The session focused on ensuring transparency in the seed sector and stressed strict actions against illegal activities.
According to Press Information Department, the meeting included senior Ministry officials, provincial government representatives, and other stakeholders. Discussions centered on complaints regarding the seizure of wheat seed stocks by Punjab’s provincial government. Punjab officials clarified that some seed companies were illicitly selling wheat under the guise of seed stocks, prompting necessary actions. The Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSC&RD) will provide seed stock data to Punjab for verification. The Minister emphasized legal compliance in the seed sector to protect farmers and ensure quality seed availability. The Committee also reviewed feedback on the proposed National Wheat Policy 2026-2030.
The Minister underscored the need for a comprehensive wheat policy to tackle production and procurement challenges and set a deadline of June 20 for provinces to submit feedback. The Committee was briefed on ongoing wheat procurement, with provinces progressing towards their targets. The Minister commended the provincial efforts and called for continued coordination to ensure transparent operations.
Final wheat production figures for the 2025-26 season were reviewed, with Punjab and Sindh submitting data, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan required more time. The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to food security, farmer protection, and efficient agricultural governance, highlighting the importance of federal-provincial collaboration for sustainable agricultural growth.
The meeting concluded with a collective pledge to improve wheat management, stabilize markets, and support agricultural development in Pakistan.