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3.5 m ton surplus wheat this year.
ISLAMABAD-Federal Secretary of Food and Agricultural, Hafeez Akhtar
said that country expects 3.5 million tonnes surplus wheat this year.
Speaking in a PTV programme he said an increase of 0.7 million hectors has been made in wheat cultivation area this year which will help enhance the product. Although the country has been facing drought conditions from previous few years, due to appropriate measure adopted by the government no wheat shortage was felt, he said.
The Federal Secretary said government has decided to procure one million tonnes of wheat for export purpose while the rest will be picked up by private sector.
He said government's involvement in wheat handling failed to produce good results in the past. It was because of this, that decision of involving the private sector was taken he said adding the situation will improve with the passage of time.
To a question he said, the private sector is not facing any funds shortage conditions because according to State Bank's decision ,the funds previously utilized by the government are now being offered to the private sector.
Once the private sector gains its footings the marketing problems of the wheat crop will
come to an end, he said. problems will be solved with passing of time.
On the quality of Pakistani wheat he said , it is best if compared to America and Australia.
He said, the Pakistanis living abroad like to use the products made of wheat.
Responding to a question he said Pakistan is exporting about 6,000 tonns wheat daily to Afghanistan.
Feb 19, 2002
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Pakissan.com;
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