Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review the country's sugar situation, expressing his satisfaction with the current stock levels and the recent downward trend in market prices.
Key Focus on Market Stability and Farmer Welfare
During the meeting, which was convened in Islamabad, the Deputy Prime Minister issued clear directives to all relevant departments. He emphasized that while ensuring price stability for consumers is crucial, the government must also guarantee that sugarcane farmers receive a fair and justified price for their crop. This dual focus aims to balance the market and protect the interests of both the agricultural community and the general public.
High-Level Attendance and Coordination
The meeting saw participation from key officials, including Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, who joined via video link. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Tariq Bajwa was also present, alongside senior officers from various concerned departments. This underscores the coordinated, multi-departmental approach being taken to manage the essential commodity's supply chain.
Ensuring a Balanced Approach
The discussion centered on maintaining a steady supply of sugar in the market to prevent any artificial shortages and to keep prices in check. Senator Dar's directives highlight the government's intent to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that the benefits of stable prices and sufficient stocks are passed on to all stakeholders, from the farmer in the field to the consumer at the market.
The positive assessment of sugar stock and prices comes as a relief amid ongoing economic challenges. The government's proactive stance is seen as a step towards managing food security and inflation, with a specific focus on safeguarding the livelihood of the agricultural backbone of the country.
