Islamabad, Pakistan’s Federal Ministry of Food Security and Research has announced that the country holds ample wheat reserves, totaling nearly 7 million tons, sufficient to meet the nation’s needs until the next harvest in May 2024. The announcement comes amidst efforts to stabilize wheat supply and prices across the country.

According to Press Information Department, the federal and provincial food departments reported significant stocks with PASSCO at 1.78 million tons, Punjab at 4.021 million tons, Sindh at 0.817 million tons, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at 0.227 million tons, and Balochistan at 0.089 million tons. The ministry’s statement on Friday detailed these figures and highlighted the positive impact of the federal government’s supportive measures, which have instilled confidence in the private sector. This confidence has been reflected in the procurement of over 700,000 tons of wheat by private entities, with an additional 1.2 million tons expected to be procured soon.

The government has pledged its full cooperation to the private sector in maintaining the wheat supply. As a result of the improved supply situation, wheat prices have seen a decrease from 4,800 Pakistani Rupees per maund to 4,300-4,400 Pakistani Rupees, with the potential for further reductions that could ease the cost burden on consumers.