Quetta, December 4, 2024 – Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti has directed the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team (CMIT) to conduct a thorough review of wheat stocks in the Food Department depots and submit a detailed report within ten days. He also instructed the Secretary Food to fully cooperate during the inspection process.
The directive was issued during a meeting chaired by the chief minister to evaluate the province’s wheat storage situation. Attendees included Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Food Minister Haji Noor Muhammad Dummar, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Principal Secretary to the CM Babar Khan, Secretary Food Muzaffar Zeeshan Lehri, Director General of the Food Department Jalal Khan, and other officials.
During the meeting, Food Department officials briefed participants on current wheat stock levels in government warehouses. They proposed selling older wheat stocks before the arrival of the new crop, citing concerns about price depreciation and spoilage. Officials warned that wheat prices might fall further with an anticipated bumper harvest, emphasizing the need to offload existing stocks in the open market while adhering to legal protocols.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of adequate storage facilities, Chief Minister Bugti questioned the rationale behind procuring excessive wheat if safe storage capacity is insufficient. He highlighted the potential for wastage and underscored the importance of safeguarding public resources.
“The wastage of public funds and resources is unacceptable,” the chief minister asserted. “Instead of excessive procurement, support for farmers should focus on providing essential inputs like fertilizers and other resources. Mismanagement in wheat procurement must end.”
The CM directed the CMIT to examine existing stock levels and submit recommendations within ten days. Based on the findings, the government will make merit-based decisions regarding stock management.
This move reflects the government’s commitment to addressing inefficiencies in wheat procurement and storage while ensuring better resource management and support for farmers in the province.
