Punjab Seeks One Million Metric Tons of Wheat Amid Supply Concerns

The Punjab government in Pakistan has plans to purchase one million metric tons of wheat from PASSCO. The estimated cost of this purchase is Rs103.75 billion, according to documents obtained by Independent News Pakistan.

However, the finance department raised objections to this proposal, seeking clarification on various aspects such as supply and demand, existing reserves, age, quality, and shelf life of wheat from PASSCO.

The finance department directed that only essential quantities be purchased at each stage and instructed to renegotiate the price and availability with the federal ministry of food security. The purchase will be made at a rate of Rs4,150 per 40 kg in Punjab, while wheat flour mills will receive Rs3,800 per 40 kg.

The food department aims to release 5,000 metric tons of wheat daily, with an estimated requirement of about 1.3 million metric tons by March 2027.