Punjab providing Rs20 billion subsidy to keep flour, bread affordable: Food Controller

ATTOCK, Jul 29 (APP): The Punjab government is providing more than Rs20 billion in subsidies to ensure affordable flour and stable bread prices across the province, District Food Controller Azhar Abbas said on Wednesday.

Speaking to the media, Abbas said this year’s bumper wheat harvest has stabilised prices, benefiting both farmers and consumers.

Punjab’s wheat production exceeded provincial consumption requirements by approximately 33 per cent, enabling the province to meet local demand and support other provinces as well.

He rejected claims of large-scale wheat hoarding, stating the impression was contrary to facts. According to him, the Food Department has already procured around 500,000 metric tonnes of wheat.

The DFC said wheat was selling at Rs3,300 to Rs3,400 per 40 kg at the start of the marketing season. After the Punjab government announced a minimum support price of Rs3,500 per 40 kg, the market stabilised and wheat is now trading at around Rs4,500 per 40 kg, providing direct financial benefits to growers. On the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, operational flour mills are being supplied with 5,000 metric tonnes of subsidised wheat daily.

Abbas said nearly 50 to 55 per cent of flour available in Punjab is being sold at subsidised rates. A 10-kg flour bag is being sold for Rs1,100, while a 20-kg bag is available for Rs2,200, and subsidised flour is readily available in markets across the province.

He added that the Punjab government will continue supplying wheat to flour mills at the concessional rate of Rs3,800 per 40 kg.