KARACHI: A Sindh cabinet sub-committee has decided to buy one million metric tons of wheat from farmers during the current season. The procurement drive will begin on April 1, and the support price has been fixed at Rs3,500 per 40kg.
Officials said the price has been set according to the federal government’s decision announced in February.
The sub-committee includes Food Minister Makhdoom Mehboub-uz-Zaman, Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Excise Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla, and Chief Minister’s Adviser on Rehabilitation Gyan Chand Essrani.
Speaking at a press conference, Food Minister Makhdoom Mehboub-uz-Zaman said wheat procurement will start from April 1 at 109 procurement centres set up across Sindh.
He said that, for the first time, wheat will be purchased only through registered Hari Card holders. He added that this step will help ensure transparency, accountability, and direct benefit to farmers.
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The minister said around 330,000 registered farmers are expected to benefit from the new system.
He also announced an important change in policy, saying that the government will not provide bardana (gunny bags) this year. Instead, farmers will bring their own bags and will receive an incentive of Rs60 per bag.
He said the payment will be made directly into farmers’ accounts through Sindh Bank, adding that this system will reduce unnecessary difficulties and make the procurement process easier for growers.
The food minister further said the Sindh government had already given an Rs84 billion subsidy to help keep wheat prices stable and support people during Ramazan.
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He said wheat release and distribution were carried out in a transparent manner, especially during Ramazan, to ensure the supply of flour at affordable prices across the province.
Responding to concerns over irregularities, the minister said the government was following a zero-tolerance policy. He said 43 officers were issued show-cause notices, 22 were suspended, nine were dismissed from service, and six cases were sent to the Anti-Corruption Establishment.
He said these steps showed the government’s commitment to strict accountability and transparent wheat procurement.
