ECC of the Cabinet discussed the matters related to wheat procurement in its meeting
held on 4th April 2024. After considering the views of the relevant Federal Ministries, the
members of the ECC felt that it would be advisable to include the Provincial governments in the
deliberations, as they would be responsible to implement the decisions on the ground. The
meeting was therefore reconvened on 5th April and representatives of all the Provincial
governments participated. They provided updates to the Committee on the latest situation
relating to procurement of wheat in their respective areas and apprised it of their requirements
for bank credit for the purpose. The Committee after detailed deliberations approved the
procurement target proposed by the Ministry of Food Security and the Provinces and the cash
credit limits required for the purpose.
The relevant departments did not suggest any enhancement or reduction in targets
presented by the Ministry of Food Security, neither did the ECC approve any such change. The
Government of Punjab informed the Committee that it was closely monitoring the wheat
situation in the Province and had initiated procurement process. They further informed that the
provincial government would continue to intervene to make sure that farmers are able to sell
their produce at the support price level.
The ECC in its inaugural meeting resolved that all the matters brought before it would be
deliberated in detail with a view to make informed decisions, instead of rushing through and
rubber-stamping hasty measures. The Committee would also continue to ensure that all the
stakeholders are onboard before arriving at decisions which have far reaching implications. The
detailed discussions during the meetings of the ECC on 4th & 5th April, 2024 are reflective of
this policy.
