According to sources, permission was granted to import 2 million tonnes of wheat in the first phase with the wheat expected to reach Pakistan in February but delays occurred.
Following delays in the first consignment of wheat, approval was obtained to import an additional 1 million tonnes bringing the total to 3 million tonnes. However, the surplus imported wheat has contributed to the current crisis.
Sources from the Ministry of Agriculture indicate that the surplus wheat imports have led to the current crisis. Despite the surplus, storage facilities for wheat in Pakistan are inadequate.
It is reported that if more wheat is purchased from farmers, the government may face a surplus. Additionally, storage arrangements for wheat in Pakistan are insufficient.
According to sources, the Punjab Food Department has currently adopted a policy of not purchasing wheat. Last year, the Punjab government purchased 4 million tonnes of wheat.
Furthermore, it is reported that last year, the Punjab government borrowed 40 billion rupees from Punjab Bank for wheat procurement.
