ISLAMABAD – Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, stated on Thursday that there will be no leniency for illegal wheat trade and bogus seed companies. He made these remarks while chairing the 13th meeting of the National Wheat Oversight Committee (NWOC). The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry, representatives of provincial governments, and other relevant stakeholders to review key matters related to wheat procurement, seed regulation, wheat policy, and production data.
Complaints on Seed Stock Seizure Discussed
The committee deliberated on complaints regarding the seizure of wheat seed stocks by the Punjab provincial government, submitted by seed companies. The Punjab government clarified that seed companies, under the guise of wheat stocks, were selling wheat in the market, prompting action against them. It was decided that the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSC&RD) would share seed stock data with the Punjab government to be updated on their portal, supporting the stock verification process.
Minister Emphasizes Transparency
During the discussion, the Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and legality in the seed sector. He directed concerned authorities to take strict action against bogus seed companies involved in the illegal movement and trade of wheat seed. He underscored that no compromise would be made on regulatory compliance and that all stakeholders must operate within the legal framework to safeguard farmers' interests and ensure the availability of quality seed.
Review of National Wheat Policy 2026–2030
The meeting also reviewed provincial feedback on the proposed National Wheat Policy 2026–2030. The Minister highlighted the significance of developing a comprehensive and forward-looking wheat policy capable of addressing emerging challenges in production, procurement, and storage of wheat, while ensuring national food security. To ensure timely finalization of the policy, all provinces were given until June 20 to submit their detailed feedback and recommendations.
Wheat Procurement Progress
The committee was briefed on the current status of wheat procurement across the country. It was informed that procurement activities are progressing smoothly and remain underway in all provinces. Provincial representatives expressed confidence in achieving their respective procurement targets. The Minister appreciated the efforts of provincial authorities and directed all concerned departments to maintain close coordination to ensure the successful completion of procurement operations in a transparent and efficient manner.
Production Figures for 2025–26 Season
The meeting further reviewed the final wheat production figures submitted by the provinces for the 2025–26 crop season. It was noted that Punjab and Sindh have submitted their final figures, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan require additional time to finalize and submit their data.
Commitment to Food Security
Speaking on the occasion, the Federal Minister said that the government remains fully committed to ensuring food security, protecting farmers' interests, strengthening agricultural governance, and enhancing the efficiency of wheat procurement and distribution systems. He stressed that coordinated efforts between the federal government and provinces are essential for achieving sustainable growth in the agriculture sector and ensuring long-term food security for the country.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to continue working collectively towards improving wheat management, ensuring market stability, and supporting Pakistan's agricultural development objectives.
