A second ship carrying imported wheat has arrived at Karachi Port, pushing the total quantity of wheat Pakistan has received from abroad above 110,000 tonnes. The development has raised hopes of relief from the ongoing wheat crisis.
The vessel MV Great Rainbow brought 59,132 tonnes of wheat meant for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It berthed at berths 16 and 17, where handling operations are underway.
Imports expected to ease supply and wheat prices
The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) says it has imported more than 110,000 tonnes through two vessels to help meet national requirements and ensure supplies. The first shipment, carrying 51,000 tonnes for Punjab, arrived at Karachi Port on October 28.
Also read: Karachi Port handles 101,000 tonnes of wheat, fertiliser
The arrival of imported wheat is expected to improve supplies and may reduce wheat and flour prices across the country. Karachi Port is playing a key role in ensuring availability and meeting the country’s food needs.
Minister urges cheaper wheat seed for farmers
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain asked private seed companies to lower wheat seed prices so that seed is more affordable for farmers. He made the demand while chairing a high-level meeting with private seed companies and the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA) on seed prices and inter-provincial movement.
Hussain said timely access to affordable seed matters most for small farmers, whose buying decisions are shaped by the combined costs of seed, fertiliser, irrigation and other inputs. He directed NSDRA to ensure the smooth movement of wheat seed between provinces.
Coordination with provincial authorities and seed suppliers will be important to resolve movement difficulties and ensure seed reaches farmers within the proper sowing period. Clear information on varieties, certification, pack weight and prices could also help farmers make informed choices. The meeting focused on lower seed costs and uninterrupted supply across provinces, in support of timely wheat sowing and national food security.
