PASSCO warehouses allegedly supply water-damaged wheat to flour mills

Concerns have emerged over the quality of wheat being supplied from warehouses operated by the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) with flour mills reportedly receiving wheat affected by excessive moisture and water damage.

ISLAMABAD: Concerns have emerged over the quality of wheat being supplied from warehouses operated by the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) with flour mills reportedly receiving wheat affected by excessive moisture and water damage.

According to sources, wheat supplied by PASSCO to flour mills has been found to contain more than 21 percent moisture. This is significantly higher than the normal moisture level for wheat which is generally expected to remain between 9 and 11 percent.

The reported moisture levels have raised serious concerns among flour mill owners who say wheat containing such high levels of moisture can significantly affect the quality of flour produced from it.

Flour mill owners have reportedly complained that even wheat with around 21 percent moisture can result in poor-quality flour. They further claimed that wheat exposed to water can develop an unpleasant smell and may become affected by mould, making it unsuitable for consumption.

The allegations have brought renewed attention to the storage and preservation of wheat in government warehouses. Proper storage conditions are considered essential to prevent moisture from damaging wheat stocks particularly when the commodity is stored for extended periods.

According to industry representatives, the use of poor-quality wheat could not only affect flour quality but may also create additional financial pressure on flour mills. Mills may face difficulties in processing damaged wheat and maintaining the required quality standards for flour supplied to consumers.

The reported issue also raises questions about quality checks carried out before wheat is released from PASSCO warehouses to flour mills. Regular inspection of stored wheat is important to identify moisture, mould and other forms of deterioration before the commodity enters the food supply chain.

PASSCO is a government-owned organisation responsible for the procurement, storage and supply of strategic wheat stocks. Any deterioration in stored wheat can therefore have wider implications for both the milling industry and consumers.

The claims regarding wheat containing more than 21 percent moisture have yet to be independently established through publicly available testing details. Further clarification from PASSCO and relevant authorities would be important to determine the extent of the problem and whether the supplied wheat meets the required quality standards.

The reported supply of water-damaged wheat has nevertheless prompted concerns among flour millers and could lead to demands for stricter quality inspections and improved storage arrangements at government warehouses.