Federal, Punjab govts to coordinate closely on price stability, adequate availability
KARACHI:
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has rejected reports of a fertiliser shortage, saying sufficient stocks of urea are available across the country, according to an official statement on Wednesday.
Chairing a meeting with Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Shah, Hussain reviewed the availability, pricing and supply of fertilisers ahead of the upcoming crop season, with particular focus on ensuring affordable fertiliser for farmers. The meeting discussed a range of measures aimed at stabilising fertiliser prices through close coordination between the federal government, provincial governments and fertiliser companies.
Speaking on the occasion, Hussain said the government is making every possible effort to facilitate farmers by ensuring the uninterrupted availability of fertilisers at reasonable prices. He said consultations are underway with all provinces and relevant stakeholders to develop a coordinated strategy for maintaining price stability and improving the supply chain. The federal minister said he has requested fertiliser companies to reduce urea prices in the larger interest of farmers. He emphasised that sufficient stocks of urea are available in the country and categorically rejected reports of any fertiliser shortage.
“There is no shortage of fertilisers in Pakistan. Fertiliser manufacturing plants are operating normally, adequate quantities are available in the market, and there is no likelihood of any shortage in the coming months,” he stated.
