Pakistan Flour Mills Association Chairman Riazullah Khan and former Chairman Asim Mahmood have expressed serious concerns over the recent wheat crisis while holding a press conference in Lahore. They say that there is no flour mill in Punjab that has not suffered a loss of at least Rs 60 million to Rs 70 million.
Riazullah Khan said that although the wheat crop was good this year, farmers were not given adequate compensation. Flour mills purchased wheat at an average of Rs 4,200 per maund to meet their needs, while the government purchased at Rs 2,900 per 40 kg. According to him, the feed industry has purchased 1.6 million tonnes of wheat in the last three to four months.
Asim Mahmood revealed that there is currently a shortfall of 1.5 million metric tonnes in Punjab, due to which there is a growing fear of affecting the supply of flour. He said that if the government does not allow free trade immediately, the situation may worsen.
He said that the announcement of 40 percent fine imposed by the Commissioner Rawalpindi should be withdrawn, otherwise the Flour Mills Association will decide to take legal action or close the mills after a week.
He said that now it is not possible for the Flour Mills owners to buy wheat worth Rs 3400 per maund and sell flour for Rs 1800. Only if the government provides a support price of Rs 3300 to Rs 3500 per maund to the farmer, he will be willing to grow more wheat.
According to the Flour Mills leaders, there was ample supply of wheat last year, but the situation is completely different this year and if timely measures are not taken, the crisis may take a serious turn.
