ISLAMABAD (GNP): Food Security and Research Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain chaired a meeting of the Fertilizer Review Committee to examine availability, market prices, distribution and supply needs for the current Rabi cropping season. Senior ministry officials and representatives of the fertiliser industry attended.
Rana Tanveer said that getting fertilisers, especially urea and DAP, to farmers on time remains a government priority. He was satisfied with the overall supply position and said the government will keep stocks sufficient to meet farmers’ needs through the season.
The committee went over current stocks, domestic production, supply chain arrangements and expected demand during wheat sowing. Officials described the steps being taken to keep supply balanced nationwide and to ensure fertiliser moves smoothly to agricultural markets.
The minister told the authorities concerned to tighten market surveillance and stay in close contact with other departments and manufacturers to prevent disruptions. Artificial shortages, hoarding and unjustified price increases, he said, will not be tolerated, and those found manipulating the market must face appropriate action.
He acknowledged that swings in international fertiliser markets and global economic uncertainty continue to push up input costs, but said the government is determined to shield farmers from needless financial strain and keep the domestic market stable.
Farmers, he said, are the backbone of Pakistan’s agricultural economy, and providing them with essential inputs at reasonable prices is the government’s foremost responsibility. The government is monitoring supplies closely and will take whatever steps are needed to protect their interests.
Rana Tanveer described the Rabi season as vital for national food security, noting that timely fertiliser availability is especially important for meeting wheat production targets and raising productivity. He called for sound planning, efficient distribution and coordination among all stakeholders.
He also directed that demand and availability continue to be assessed regularly throughout the season, with particular attention to major wheat-growing areas, and that any emerging shortages be identified and resolved quickly to spare farmers inconvenience.
Also read: Pakistan, US Review Trade Deal Talks
Industry representatives updated the meeting on distribution arrangements and reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination with the federal government to keep supplies uninterrupted. In closing, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring availability, discouraging exploitation of the market and supporting farmers during Rabi.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
