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ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer, has taken decisive action in response to revelations of insect-infected wheat imports during the caretaker government’s tenure.
Confirming these imports, Tanveer swiftly formed a second inquiry committee within a week to investigate irregularities and negligence surrounding the import process.
The newly formed committee, headed by Food Commissioner Syed Waseemul Hasan, is tasked with rigorously examining the import of insect-infected wheat during the fiscal year 2023-24.
Tanveer reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, emphasizing that no exploitation of farmers would be tolerated.
In addition to probing wheat imports, Tanveer addressed irregularities in wheat procurement by the Pakistan Agriculture Storage and Services Corporation (Passco), forming a three-member committee to investigate public complaints.
This move underscores the government’s determination to ensure fairness and transparency in the wheat procurement process.
Highlighting the significance of farmers to the national economy, Tanveer stressed the government’s responsibility to safeguard their welfare and prosperity.
These actions come on the heels of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s earlier formation of a fact-finding committee to investigate irregularities in wheat imports, a decision prompted by the surplus stocks hindering provincial governments’ ability to purchase crops from farmers at fair prices.
The situation has escalated with farmers facing pressure to sell their yield at lower rates due to excessive government stocks and reluctance to procure new crops at reserved prices.
The government’s removal of the federal secretary for the National Food Security and Research Division underscores its commitment to addressing farmers’ grievances and ensuring timely payments.
As the government grapples with surplus stocks and protests from disgruntled farmers, efforts to procure additional wheat and alleviate the crisis remain ongoing.
Balancing the interests of farmers, government agencies, and political dynamics presents a complex challenge requiring careful navigation and decisive action.
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