Sindh plans ahead to prevent wheat shortage

The Sindh government has stepped up efforts to ensure food security by reviewing the province’s wheat stocks, production, market supply and future demand amid concerns over a possible shortage next year.

A high-level meeting of the provincial Food Department was chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who directed officials to take immediate steps to strengthen wheat management and maintain stable flour prices across the province.

During the meeting, officials informed the chief minister that more than 172,000 metric tonnes of illegally hoarded wheat had been recovered from various flour mills during recent enforcement operations. They said the crackdown significantly improved wheat availability in the market and helped stabilise flour prices, reducing pressure on consumers.

The Food Department informed the meeting that Sindh produced approximately 4.7 million metric tonnes of wheat during the 2025-26 harvesting season. In addition, the province carried forward around 140,000 metric tonnes of wheat from the previous year’s reserves, increasing the overall available stock.

Officials, however, warned that the province could face a wheat shortfall by March 2027 if current consumption patterns continue and wheat continues to move outside Sindh without proper management.

According to the briefing, nearly 2.6 million metric tonnes of wheat had already been consumed or distributed across the province by July 15, 2026. Another 200,000 metric tonnes has been set aside as certified seed for the upcoming wheat sowing season to support future production.

The meeting was informed that Sindh currently possesses around 2.24 million metric tonnes of wheat in total reserves. Out of this quantity, nearly 1.23 million metric tonnes is available within the supply chain and can be released to markets whenever required to meet public demand.

To avoid any future shortage, the Food Department proposed purchasing additional wheat from the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO). Officials said the move would strengthen provincial reserves and help ensure uninterrupted supplies if demand rises or production declines.

While reviewing the stock position, Murad Ali Shah expressed concern over the reported figures and questioned officials about approximately 610,000 metric tonnes of wheat that could not be properly accounted for. He directed the department to immediately investigate the discrepancy and present complete records of wheat stocks and distribution.

The chief minister instructed the Food Department to prepare a comprehensive wheat management plan to address future challenges. He said the strategy should include stock monitoring, procurement planning, storage management and distribution mechanisms to prevent any supply disruption.

Murad Ali Shah emphasised that food security remains one of the Sindh government’s highest priorities. He said every possible measure would be taken to ensure a continuous supply of wheat and flour at affordable prices for the public.

He clarified that there is currently no immediate shortage of wheat in Sindh but stressed that timely planning is essential to avoid future difficulties.

The chief minister also ordered authorities to intensify action against hoarders and profiteers, warning that artificial shortages would not be tolerated. He directed officials to closely monitor wheat and flour prices across markets and take immediate action against anyone involved in illegal stockpiling or price manipulation.