PM Shehbaz Sharif Enhances Wheat Procurement Transparency

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has recently taken significant steps to improve transparency in the wheat procurement process in Pakistan. This decision follows the suspension of top officials at the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) due to their failure to leverage technology effectively for wheat procurement.

The Prime Minister's latest move involves the development of a mobile application to streamline the procurement process and ensure accountability. Emphasizing the importance of crop insurance and third-party audits of PASSCO's stock, Sharif has also directed the procurement of an additional 400,000 metric tonnes of wheat through a transparent process.

During a recent meeting attended by key federal cabinet members, the government reiterated its commitment to preventing economic losses for farmers and ensuring food security. Discussions also revolved around enhancing farmers' prosperity and recognizing outstanding PASSCO centers and officers.

Meanwhile, in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), wheat procurement is progressing smoothly with plans to acquire 300,000 metric tons of wheat. The federal government aims to boost wheat purchases to guarantee fair prices for growers. However, challenges such as the contamination of wheat with dirt in Sindh have resulted in significant financial losses.

Addressing concerns raised by the Lahore High Court regarding the wheat price policy, the government is exploring new pricing mechanisms to ensure fairness. These recent developments underscore the critical role of effective governance in the wheat procurement sector to protect farmers' interests and maintain food security.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's initiatives to enhance transparency in wheat procurement and improve accountability within PASSCO demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting farmers and ensuring food security in Pakistan. By leveraging technology and implementing stringent measures, the government aims to create a more efficient and fair procurement system that benefits both farmers and consumers.