Latest news with #NationalFoodSecurityandResearch
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Sugar mill stocks: Govt takes step to ensure steady supply
ISLAMABAD: In a decisive move to stabilise sugar prices and ensure steady market supply, the federal government on Monday directed strict oversight of sugar mill stocks following reports of violations of a recently agreed price cap and disruptions in supply. Chairing a meeting, the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research expressed concern over non-compliance by several sugar mills with the agreement signed between the government and the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) earlier this month. The agreement, inked on July 14, fixed the ex-mill sugar price at Rs165 per kilogramme, effective from July 15 to August 15. Despite repeated assurances, officials informed the meeting that some mills were not releasing sugar stocks on time and were failing to ensure consistent supply to the market. Tax on windfall profits of sugar millers being mulled In light of this, the minister directed the concerned department to deploy officials at all sugar mills to closely monitor stock levels and guarantee uninterrupted supply in line with the agreed framework. 'The government is committed to maintaining price stability and ensuring availability of sugar in the market. Any violation of the agreement will not be tolerated,' the minister warned. Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and consumer protection, the ministry emphasised its resolve to enforce effective stock management and maintain coordination with all stakeholders. During the meeting, the PSMA Chairman Chaudhry Zaka Ashraf raised concerns over the operational challenges faced by millers and stressed that action should not be taken against mills complying with the agreement. In response, the minister assured that genuine grievances would be addressed promptly and instructed the formation of a Grievance Redressal Committee to streamline the resolution process. To facilitate better communication, the government also announced the creation of a dedicated WhatsApp group to ensure real-time coordination between officials and sugar mill representatives. The meeting was attended by representatives of PSMA, federal and provincial officials, and other key stakeholders from across the country. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan seeks FAO support
Listen to article Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, chaired a high-level meeting with a delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations to review ongoing collaboration and explore future opportunities in Pakistan's agriculture and livestock sectors. According to a statement released on Friday, the FAO delegation was led by Thanawat Tiensin, Assistant Director General and Director of the Animal Production and Health Division. Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan, who is completing her tenure, also attended the meeting. The minister appreciated FAO's support since 1947, now covering projects in 94 districts. He welcomed FAO's new Global Work Plan, approved by 194 member states, and expressed interest in its implementation. Hussain said Pakistan is committed to revitalising its agriculture and livestock sectors to boost food security and exports. He reiterated the government's interest in mobilising foreign investment and appreciated FAO's willingness to support such initiatives under the new work plan. Tiensin acknowledged Pakistan's efforts in disease control, food safety, and export readiness. He praised the potential of Pakistan's livestock sector and recommended Brazil's model of transformation through research and innovation. The minister briefed the delegation on the newly formed National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA), inspired by Egypt's model. To further this learning, Pakistan will send a technical delegation to Egypt to study the institutional mechanisms and best practices adopted there. He stressed the need to revive Pakistan's representation at FAO, which has been vacant since 2017, and reaffirmed commitment to strengthening the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) in line with the Prime Minister's vision for science-led agricultural development. He also expressed interest in expanding collaboration with leading research institutions in China and Europe. FAO shared updates on upcoming global events, including the Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation and the World Food Forum.
Express Tribune
23-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt warns of action against sugar overpricing
Listen to article Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has said that the government will initiate a countrywide crackdown against the mills involved in hoarding, profiteering or overpricing, if the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) failed to play its due role in ensuring compliance with the notified price among its members. Rana Tanveer chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday with representatives of PSMA, provincial agricultural departments and key stakeholders from across the country. The meeting was convened to review the current sugar price situation and compliance with the government's notified ex-mill rate of Rs165 per kilogramme. The minister expressed grave concern over reports that several sugar mills were not complying with the fixed price and were contributing to artificial inflation in the market. He categorically said that the government would not tolerate such manipulation of the market, which places an unfair burden on the common man. He issued a strict warning, stating that if the association failed to play its role in ensuring compliance among its members, the government would be compelled to initiate a countrywide crackdown. The minister emphasised the need for transparency and fairness in the sugar supply chain. He also asked all provincial governments to provide detailed compliance reports within 24 hours and enhance monitoring at the district level to curb any illegal practices by mill owners. He stated that the food security ministry would work in close coordination with the relevant enforcement bodies including the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and provincial food authorities to take legal action against violators. Rana Tanveer reiterated the government's commitment to protecting the rights of consumers and maintaining price stability in essential commodities. He urged all stakeholders to act responsibly and cooperate fully with the government to ensure smooth supply and fair pricing of sugar across the country.
Express Tribune
12-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Unjustified methyl bromide imports banned
Listen to article The government has uncovered a methyl bromide scandal within the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) and suspended a suspicious company's licence, while halting shipments worth $1 million. Amid a major crackdown on the DPP, the government has reviewed the policy for methyl bromide imports and imposed a ban on the unjustified import of the product. Under the leadership of Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, the DPP has undertaken a series of transformative, corrective and disciplinary measures over the past six months to overhaul its operations, systems and regulatory mechanisms. As part of this reform agenda, Rana Tanveer directed the initiation of several strategic measures, including the launch of NAFSA, upgrading testing laboratories and the establishment of a modern institutional infrastructure aligned with global phytosanitary standards. These reforms are aimed at improving Pakistan's compliance with international trade requirements and enhancing export competitiveness. One of the most impactful actions was the revision in import conditions on a scientific basis, resulting in a drastic reduction in the unjustified use of methyl bromide. This regulatory shift led to significant cost savings for the import industry, ranging from Rs30,000 to Rs40,000 per container, particularly benefiting imports of cotton, grains, pulses and lentils. The move was welcomed by the industry stakeholders and is being viewed as a landmark step towards rationalised pesticide use. The minister also took firm action against malpractices. A detailed internal audit revealed that a company was importing methyl bromide from a suspicious origin. Under the minister's instructions, the DPP undertook rigorous scrutiny, including third-party verification, cross-checking of documents and allied investigations. As a result, the company's licence was promptly suspended due to violations of regulatory norms and in coordination with Pakistan Customs, four under-process shipments valuing at $1 million were intercepted at the port before clearance. These enforcement actions not only prevented the entry of potentially harmful substances but also sent a strong signal about the ministry's zero-tolerance policy against non-compliance and malpractice. Furthermore, strict disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against those found responsible. Rana Tanveer has repeatedly emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability and institutional integrity within all attached departments of the food security ministry. The detection and disruption of a high-value scam, along with swift and lawful action, have been widely appreciated by stakeholders and the public. It reinforces the resolve to cleanse the system of inefficiencies, ensure fair competition and uphold phytosanitary integrity in national and international trade. Rana Tanveer reaffirmed that the Ministry of National Food Security would continue to pursue reforms with full force, ensuring that Pakistan's agricultural and quarantine systems meet global benchmarks, and that no leniency would be shown to those violating the law or compromising the national interest.
Business Recorder
05-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Concern expressed over decline in cotton productivity
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of National Food Security and Research has expressed concern over the decline in cotton productivity in recent years and emphasised the need for a coordinated and targeted strategy to address the structural challenges facing the crop. Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain chaired a high-level meeting on Friday to review and accelerate efforts for increasing cotton yield across the country. The meeting brought together senior officials of the ministry, representatives from provincial agriculture departments, research experts, and key stakeholders from the cotton-growing regions. The minister said that cotton is a vital crop for Pakistan's agriculture sector and the backbone of the country's textile industry. He expressed concern over the decline in cotton productivity in recent years and emphasised the need for a coordinated and targeted strategy to address the structural challenges facing the crop. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to reviving cotton production through farmer-focused interventions, research-driven solutions, and improved service delivery in the agriculture sector. The minister stressed that enhancing cotton yield is essential not only for the sustainability of the textile value chain but also for improving the livelihoods of farmers and boosting rural incomes. He emphasised the timely provision of quality inputs such as certified seed and pesticides, improved pest control methods, adoption of climate-resilient farming techniques, and farmer awareness through strengthened extension services. He also directed relevant departments to expedite policy measures and technological innovations that could help bridge the yield gap and ensure better returns for cotton growers. During the meeting, various proposals were reviewed to improve crop management and field practices. The participants exchanged views on the current status of cotton cultivation and discussed practical steps to tackle production constraints. It was decided that a comprehensive action plan would be finalised in close coordination with the provinces to ensure effective implementation ahead of the next sowing season. Hussain stated that cotton remains a strategic crop for Pakistan, and its development requires urgent attention from all tiers of government. He underlined the importance of institutional collaboration, efficient resource utilisation, and market linkage strategies to ensure long-term sustainability and profitability in the cotton sector. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
