Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R), Rana Tanveer, highlighted concerns regarding the import of wheat during the caretaker government’s tenure, emphasizing the need to address the issues arising from excessive imports. Speaking to reporters, Tanveer stated that the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) identified instances of wheat being imported beyond allocated quotas, even after the expiration of deadlines.
Tanveer noted that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s appointed inquiry committee has submitted its report, shedding light on the situation, with a carry-forward stock of 4.2 million tons of wheat already in place. Additionally, the prime minister has directed the formation of another committee to delve deeper into the matter and assign responsibility to those involved, including various relevant departments.
During a visit to NARC, Tanveer reiterated the government’s commitment to modernizing the agriculture sector to unlock its full potential in Pakistan. Stressing the significance of research standards, he underscored agriculture’s pivotal role in the country’s economy.
Tanveer emphasized that supporting farmers and advancing agricultural development are top priorities for the current government. Recognizing the importance of quality seeds for improved crop yield, he highlighted the government’s dedication to providing necessary resources to farmers and ensuring access to healthy fertilizers through modern technologies.
Highlighting the substantial portion of Pakistan’s population dependent on agriculture, Tanveer emphasized the imperative of adopting modern technologies to enhance sustainable food security and increase crop productivity.
