May 13, 2008	Tuesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 7, 1429

ISLAMABAD, May 12: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani on Monday decided that the government will import a total of 2.5 million metric tons of wheat including the 1.5 million tons approved by the Economic Coordination Committee of the cabinet recently.

The decision of importing an extra one million tons of wheat was taken after officials of ministry of food, agriculture and livestock (Minfal) and the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Supplies Corporation (Passco) briefed him about the progress in official procurement from farmers and expected wheat production this year.

The meeting was held in the Prime Minister House and was attended by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Food, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.

Sources said the prime minister was briefed about the slow procurement and the fear that the government may not be able to meet the wheat procurement target of five millions tons this year. Minfal also predicted lower production this year than last year.

An official announcement said the prime minister has taken the decision of importing extra one million tons of wheat to enable the country to maintain strategic food reserves keeping in view the ever-rising food prices at the global level.

Mr Gilani has also directed the provincial authorities to take strict measures against hoarders and smugglers.

The official announcement said that Minfal is hopeful that Passco will meet the official wheat procurement target.

The meeting also reviewed the rice stock and supply situation and expressed its satisfaction. Mr Gilani was informed that the country has surplus reserves of Irri, the most widely consumed rice variety in Pakistan.

The prime minister directed that agreement with the Rice Exporters Association Pakistan regarding availability of 200,000 tons of rice to the Utility Stores Corporation and maintenance of additional reserves of 300,000 tons should be ensured and implemented in letter and spirit. He said the agreement would enable domestic consumers to buy rice at reasonable price.

He also directed Minfal and all other relevant departments to review the availability of pulses in the local market. He said the supply of pulses such as gram, masoor, moong and mash should be increased to stop prices from shooting up further.