Latest news with #MNFS&R
Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Wheat stocks sufficient until next harvest'
ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Committee on Essential Cash Crops has noted that sufficient wheat stocks are available in the country to meet national demand until the next harvest. The committee said there is no shortage of the commodity in the country. The disclosure was made by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, who chaired the third meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Essential Cash Crops on Wednesday. The committee also reviewed wheat production projections for 2025, carry-forward stocks, and national requirements for the food year 2025–26 The committee held a detailed discussion on the Cotton Plan 2025–26, focusing on immediate, medium, and long-term policy measures essential for the revival of Pakistan's cotton sector. Dar emphasised the need for coordinated and actionable steps to restore cotton's central role in the economy and improve returns for farmers. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) was also directed to convene a follow-up meeting next week, bringing together all relevant public and private sector stakeholders across the cotton value chain. The MNFSR will present an actionable implementation plan to the committee to ensure effective execution of the recommendations. The meeting was attended by the ministers for National Food Security, Finance, and Planning, SAPM Tariq Bajwa, and senior officials from the MNFS&R, Ministry of Commerce, and the FBR. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
No subsidy or tax relief on imports: ECC sticks to sugar deregulation
ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has reaffirmed its stance on deregulating sugar prices, reiterating that no subsidy or tax exemptions will be available for sugar imports in FY 2025-26. The Finance Ministry communicated this clearly on financial position and commitments with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). On June 27, 2025, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) sought emergency approval from the ECC Chairman and Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb to present a summary due to urgent market concerns. Approval was granted. De-regulating the sugar industry: do not drop the ball again The MNFS&R briefed the ECC that a meeting of the Prime Minister's Committee, formed on March 16, 2025 under the Deputy Prime Minister, was held on June 19. The committee noted that sugar prices remain high, and current stock levels are inadequate to stabilize the market. The committee concluded that demand-pull inflation in the sugar market could only be mitigated by increasing supply. Despite multiple appeals, the sugar industry has refused to reduce ex-mill prices to the agreed range of Rs.154–159/kg. As a result, the committee recommended importing up to 500,000 metric tons (0.500 MMT) of white sugar. A subsequent Sugar Advisory Board (SAB) meeting on June 23 reviewed stock levels, reported at 2.575 MMT, and evaluated consumption trends. The average monthly consumption, net of exports since the start of the crushing season (November 21, 2024), is 0.541 MMT — a level that may only just meet domestic demand through the next season, leaving no surplus stock for FY 2025-26. Consultations with sugar dealers and federal and provincial agencies reveal tight supply and rising demand, enabling hoarding and profiteering. Projections suggest sugar prices could climb to Rs.190/kg ex-mill and Rs.200/kg at retail by November 2025. To curb the ongoing price surge, the MNFS&R proposed importing white sugar and requested the federal government provide duty and tax relief on imports until September 30, 2025. A Steering Committee was proposed to manage import logistics, price setting, and distribution, including Federal Minister for MNFSR (Chairman), Federal Minister for Commerce, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (Foreign Affairs), Secretaries of Finance, Commerce, MNFSR, and Industries, the FBR Chairman, Chief Secretaries of all provinces and Chairman of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP). The committee will determine the import quantity and procurement methods, including government-to-government (G2G) deals, private importers, or via the TCP. The TCP has provided cost estimates both inclusive and exclusive of duties/taxes for an import volume of 100,000 MT (+/- 5%). Following the presentation, MNFSR formally requested the ECC's approval for importing up to 0.500 MMT of white sugar through this mechanism. However, the Finance Division emphasized that no subsidy is allocated for sugar imports in the FY 2025-26 budget and IMF conditions prevent any waiver of duties or taxes. The ECC reiterated its earlier directive to deregulate sugar prices, noting that any import proposal must include detailed financial implications for ECC approval. After a thorough discussion, the ECC approved the formation of the Steering Committee, which will submit detailed recommendations and financial evaluations for final decision-making. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Rs4.25bn for MNFS&R allocated
ISLAMABAD: The government has allocated Rs 4.25 billion for the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) in the annual budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), compared to 12.56 billion in the budget 2024-25. The budget document showed a decrease of 66.1 percent in funds allocated for various attached departments of MNFS&R. The Rs 4.25 billion would be spent on the completion of 10 ongoing developmental projects and five new schemes during the current financial year. Under the PSDP 2025-26, Rs 800 million has been allocated for the national program for animal disease surveillance and control track and traceability, while Rs 585.597 million has been earmarked for the national program for enhancing command areas in Barani Areas [rain-fed areas] of Pakistan. Out of Rs 4.25 billion, Rs 500 million allocated for national oilseed enhancement program, Rs 500 million earmarked for promotion of olive cultivation on a commercial scale in Pakistan and set aside Rs 450 million national agriculture productivity enhancement program. As per the budget breakdown, Rs 300 million allocated for the establishment of the agriculture research institute Sheikhupura, Rs 257 million for Pak-Sar Zameen Card (PSZC) integrated GIS and remote sensing for sustainable, digital, advanced and financially inclusive agriculture in Pakistan and Rs 200 million for the financial incentive program for sustainable agri business and agriculture development. The government has allocated Rs 150 million for the project planning and development unit of the MNFS&R, earmarked Rs 125.860 million for reviving cotton in Pakistan: innovation for a sustainable future and set aside Rs 85 million for the Pakistan-Korea joint program on certified seed potato production system. In the budget 2025-26, Rs 100 million has been allocated for the Pakistan model agriculture research centre and Rs 50 million for professional capacity building in agriculture. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Kharif season: All set to meet cotton seed demand
ISLAMABAD: The country is set to meet its cotton seed demand for the upcoming Kharif season (2025-26), with over 50,000 metric tons of certified seed already available against a total requirement of 53,796 metric tons, according to a senior official from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R). The Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA) has fixed the cotton production target at 10.18 million bales, to be cultivated over an area of 2.2 million hectares. The update was shared during a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, on Tuesday. The meeting reviewed the availability and regulation of cotton and rice seeds, with a strong focus on addressing seed market malpractices and improving seed quality. Minister Hussain voiced serious concerns over the widespread sale of non-certified and substandard seeds, blaming several companies for facilitating the distribution of fake seeds. In a major crackdown, the ministry has banned 392 companies found guilty of selling uncertified seeds, the official of MNFS&R told the meeting. 'We were once ahead of India in agricultural innovation, but now we are trailing behind and using India as an example in terms of seed quality and yield,' the minister lamented. He stressed the urgent need to reverse this trend by strengthening domestic seed production and curbing the import of foreign varieties. The minister also raised alarm over the smuggling of seeds from India, which are being openly marketed through social media platforms. He said the ministry is working closely with law enforcement agencies to take stern action against those involved in such illegal activities. To ensure long-term improvements in seed quality and agricultural productivity, the government has established the National Seed Development Authority (NSDA). The NSDA will regulate seed quality, monitor compliance, and prevent the sale of counterfeit seeds. Under new regulations, seed companies will be granted licenses for five years, with extensions based on their adherence to quality standards. Minister Hussain emphasised that the use of certified seeds is critical to boosting per-acre yields and ensuring sustainability in the agriculture sector. He also called for stabilising seed prices and promoting good farming practices to mitigate the impact of market volatility. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
NA panel seeks action against counterfeit seed mafia
ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee on Wednesday directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) to take strict action not only against companies selling substandard and counterfeit seeds but also against officials responsible for their registration. The directive was issued during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, chaired by MNA Syed Hussain Tariq. It reviewed a report submitted by MNA Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan, convener of a subcommittee, which detailed irregularities in the sale of fake seeds and delays in wheat procurement and import. A senior MNFS&R official informed the committee that licences of 392 out of 1,200 registered seed companies had been cancelled. To improve transparency, the ministry has introduced a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) system to monitor the distribution and sale of seeds. However, members of the committee stressed that accountability should extend to government officials involved in the registration of these companies. They also urged the ministry to ensure equitable distribution of imported seeds across all provinces and to launch public awareness campaigns. It was recommended that seed trials be conducted in controlled environments to assess yields and develop a competitive edge in agriculture. It also resolved to invite the recently established National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSD&R) to the next session to review its progress. The meeting emphasised that legal action must be taken against those selling fake seeds, stating that issuing challans is not enough, and urged the MNFSS&R to engage legal experts to ensure offenders are brought to justice. To protect farmers from exploitation by middlemen, the committee proposed announcing a minimum support price (MSP). Additional recommendations included compensation for affected farmers, stricter penalties of up to 10 years' imprisonment for violators, public distribution of educational pamphlets, and advancements in seed technology—such as heat-resistant varieties and improved sowing techniques. The committee also recommended a complete ban on the import and export of wheat, in light of the country's need. MNFS&R officials briefed the committee on recent initiatives, including Punjab's launch of an Electronic Warehouse Receipts (EWRs) system, which allows farmers to store their crops for up to four months with support from private banks. The government covers 50 percent of the loan mark-up under this scheme. During the session, the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) also presented updates on wheat research. While wheat yield per acre has increased from 27 to 33 maunds over the past decade, committee members deemed the progress unsatisfactory. They pointed out that much of the gain was due to favourable weather rather than advancements in policy or research. Committee Chairman Syed Hussain Tariq highlighted that agriculture, once contributing 35 per cent to the national GDP, now accounts for only 20 percent, and expressed concern over declining productivity despite major public investments and technological advancements. The meeting also raised alarms over declining water availability, rapid population growth, and the escalating impact of climate change—all of which pose significant threats to national food security. The performance of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) was called into question, with ineffective seed research cited as a major contributing factor to the declining yields of key crops such as wheat, rice, and cotton. MNAs Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan, Waseem Qadir, Nadeem Abbas, Syed Javed Ali Shah Jillani, Syed Abrar Ali Shah, Syed Ayaz Ali Shah Sheerazi, Zulfiqar Ali Behan, MNA, Usama Hamza, MNA, and Keso Mal Kheal Das and senior official of MNFS&R also attended the meeting. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
