ISLAMABAD (March 01 2004): Food and Agriculture Minister Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind has denied execution of any agreement for import of wheat with any country.

He said that the agreement to import wheat was signed between Passco and a private Pakistani firm and not with any country.

Pakistan was compelled to reject imported wheat as it failed to meet prior agreed standards, he told PTV.

"Substandard wheat would not be accepted under any circumstances, as the health of our people is dearer to us," Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind added.

Keeping in view the resentment of a close friendly country on this issue, the cabinet has decided to take samples of wheat from the three anchored ships in presence of three representatives, ie Passco, a private firm and representatives from Australia. The wheat would be accepted if found satisfactory, he added.

He admitted that there was some shortage of wheat stocks in Sindh province.

He said, the farmers have been granted one year grace period in paying loans of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL).

Courtesy Business Recorder