ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of National Food Security and Research has directed provincial food departments to facilitate the smooth movement of wheat seeds across provinces to address the ongoing supply bottlenecks ahead of the sowing season.
The decision came during a high-level meeting held in Islamabad on Wednesday, following directives from the prime minister. The meeting, chaired by National Food Security Secretary Amir Muhyuddin, reviewed complaints that wheat seed consignments were facing obstacles despite companies following all agreed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
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Provincial representatives clarified that all seed convoys with valid documentation were being permitted to pass, adding that fresh instructions had been issued to ensure seed transportation was prioritized. To oversee this process, a supervisory committee led by Secretary Muhyuddin has been formed, which will meet weekly to monitor progress and resolve issues in real time.
It was also decided that Federal Seed Certification and Research and Development officers would be deployed at key inter-provincial checkpoints, particularly along routes linking Punjab to other provinces. These officers will verify documents and coordinate with food department officials to prevent unnecessary delays.
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The meeting was attended by secretaries of provincial agriculture and food departments, directors general of agriculture, and senior officials from the federal ministry, who emphasized that timely availability of certified wheat seeds is vital to ensuring food security and a successful wheat cultivation season nationwide.