The government will import 200,000 tons of urea

Islamabad:

Federal Minister for Industries, Production and National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain has announced that the government will import 200,000 metric tonnes of urea to ensure uninterrupted supply to farmers.

According to a press statement issued on Thursday, Hussain made the announcement while presiding over a high-level committee meeting to review the actions taken to secure the fertilizer supply chain and prices in the country.

The committee meeting was attended by federal ministers Sardar Awais Leghari and Mussadaq Malik, as well as members of the National Assembly Syed Khurshid Shah, Moeen Wattoo, Azhar Khan Leghari, Fatehullah Khan and Nawabzada Mir Jamal Khan Raisani. Federal Secretary Food Security Muhammad Fakhar-e-Alam and Federal Secretary Industries Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry were also present in the meeting.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the measures taken regarding the supply chain of fertilizers and their prices. The federal minister stressed the importance of securing supply of urea during the upcoming sowing season and informed that 200,000 metric tonnes of urea is being imported to meet the targets.

The federal minister said the government is committed to stop fertilizer smuggling and ensure equal distribution of urea at affordable prices. Strict monitoring of dealers and distributors involved in black marketing will be conducted, he said.

Hussain assured that protecting the interest of farmers is a top priority for the government and all fertilizer companies and traders will be made to supply urea at the same rates. He said that a comprehensive strategy has been formulated to control the marketing of black urea.

The minister urged the provinces to actively participate in the implementation of the federal government’s actions and closely monitor fertilizer distributors and traders. Strict action will be taken against those involved in black marketing to ensure transparency, he asserted.

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to stop exploitation of farmers by the fertilizer mafia and vowed that no negligence in providing fertilizer to farmers would be tolerated. He said the agencies will be committed to bring transparency and value to the system and ensure accountability for those involved in illegal practices. “Farmers can rest assured that their interests will be protected and their fertilizer needs met without any delay or compromise,” he concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 31^St2024.

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