It is officially stated from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research that the damage caused to standing crops due to heavy rains is moderate and there is no likelihood of food insecurity or emergency situation thereof. The losses suffered by the farmers are indeed painful news and Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research Sahibzada Mehboob Sultan has reiterated that government is doing its best to estimate the damage and monitory and human loss and relief would soon be announced for the affected farmers. Federal Minister Mehboob Sultan further said that he will visit the affected areas and himself monitor the situation on ground and would meet the affected farmers/families. The Ministry of National Food Security is in complete liaison with Provincial agriculture departments for updates regarding the affected villages and subsequent loss to crops due to recent rains, especially in Punjab Province. According to the Federal Ministry National Food Security the latest report(s) received from Punjab Agriculture Department there is no threat to food security in the country or wheat shortage and the damage to wheat, maize and gram is moderate and does not indicate any shortage, moreover the speculations regarding the wheat shortage is not right, the Federal Ministry formally denies any such speculation. The latest report regarding crop wise affected areas in Punjab shows that the loss and damage occurred in wheat, gram and maize crops is of mild to moderate nature. It is further said from the Ministry officials that data for other minor crops is also collected and Punjab agriculture department is working to reach out to all possible areas to gauge the losses. The data from other provinces is yet to be received and a letter to that affect is delivered to relative provincial departments. Federal Minister Sahibzada Mehboob Sultan reiterated that in face of this calamity the government stands by the farmers and there should not be any uncertainty among them. The federal Minister further said that our government will provide every possible relief to affected farmers. He added that he will visit the affected areas and it was also directed by Prime Minister that no effort must be spared until the relief is provided to affectees. The met department is directed to remain vigilant and maintain steady liaison with provincial agriculture departments so timely weather report may be communicated to farmers.
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