Agri prices


It was not long ago when Pakistan exported cotton and wheat, but for the past several years it has been importing these two commodities

Evidently, mismanagement and corruption account for this sad state of affairs

Informed quarters claim that our own produce is smuggled out to countries where wheat fetches better prices

At a recent meeting, attended by high officials of the relevant departments, the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce expressed concern over the paradoxical situation and asked the ministry of food security to explain how the wheat-exporting country has turned into an importer of the staple food

The panel was informed that this year wheat production was estimated to be 26

04 million tons – over one million tons more than the previous year – but the demand was for 29 million tons

The shortfall would be met by imports

Besides, 1

2 million tons would be required for seed and one million tons as strategic reserves

It is unclear whether the seed requirement will be met from the domestic output, or imported wheat would be used for the purpose

The government must not allow genetically-modified varieties of wheat, cotton or any other agricultural commodities into the country because GM produce cannot be used as seed; seeds for GM crops have to be bought from multi-national seed companies

The ministry of food has warned that the difference between the wheat procurement price in Sindh and the rest of the country might open the door to profiteering

The procurement price in Sindh is Rs2,000 per 40kg while in other provinces it is Rs1,800 per 40kg

This might lure farmers to sell their produce in Sindh

The ultimate sufferers would be the consumers and small farmers

It emerged at the meeting that authorities rejected a proposal for fixing the minimum support price of cotton

Agricultural prices need to be handled deftly

Growers should be assured of good returns on their produce if we have to be self-reliant in food and avoid costly imports

Published in The Express Tribune, April 18th, 2021

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Date:19-Apr-2021 Reference:View Original Link