Islamabad: Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has issued a directive for fertilizer companies to establish sales shops in every district across Pakistan. This initiative, aimed at ensuring the availability of fertilizers at fair prices, is part of a broader effort to support agricultural development and protect farmers from market exploitation.

According to Press Information Department, the directive was announced during a meeting of the Fertilizer Review Committee, chaired by Minister Hussain. The session reviewed the current availability and pricing of fertilizers in the country and included key industry leaders such as the CEOs of Fauji Fertilizer Company, Engro Fertilizer Limited, Fatima Fertilizer Limited, and Agritec Limited.

The Minister highlighted that the government has ensured a full gas supply to all fertilizer plants, enabling them to operate at full capacity and maintain sufficient stock for the upcoming agricultural season. This measure is expected to facilitate smooth distribution of fertilizers across all provinces.

Moreover, Hussain instructed the Fauji Fertilizer Company and Engro Fertilizer Company to set up model store centers where farmers can purchase fertilizers at standardized prices, reducing the influence of middlemen. The first of these centers have already been established, with more planned to open before the Rabi planting season in all 72 districts.

The committee also discussed measures against hoarding and price manipulation, with the Minister urging provincial authorities to take strict action against such practices. Additionally, the Minister called for the decoupling of urea and DAP sales to further ease access for farmers. The meeting concluded with a call for suggestions from all stakeholders to better plan for the Rabi season.