Transparency in wheat subsidy system imperative: Saleem Memon

HYDERABAD: Muhammad Saleem Memon, President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI), expressed serious concern over the emerging information regarding the wheat subsidy and Food Pass Policy for 2025-26 in Sindh.

He emphasized that transparency, balance, and public interest must be prioritized to ensure that the relief provided by the government truly reaches the end consumers.

According to available data, the Sindh government provides a 100-kg bag of wheat under subsidy at approximately PKR 8,000, while in the market; the same wheat is reportedly being supplied to flour mills at around PKR 9,500 per bag, creating a difference of roughly PKR 1,500 per bag.

Saleem Memon stressed that this discrepancy highlights the urgent need for a thorough review of the entire supply chain.Saleem Memon also expressed concern over wheat stored in various warehouses for several years. He urged that technical inspections and joint assessments be conducted to prevent potential public health risks associated with the use of old or deteriorated wheat.

Regarding daily allocations to flour mills, he noted that Sindh’s mills receive only limited quantities ranging from 8,000 to 15,000 bags per day. Meanwhile, reports suggest that large quantities of wheat are being transported to other provinces, which may lead to supply challenges and adversely affect local consumers.

Saleem Memon demanded that the wheat allotment policy be comprehensively reviewed, clarifying the roles of traders and flour mills in a balanced manner. He called for transparent audits of all stocks and distribution, timely identification and disposal of spoiled wheat, and above all, ensuring that wheat intended for Sindh’s population is not diverted elsewhere but reaches consumers directly.

He also emphasized the critical role of engaging the private sector in wheat procurement. According to Saleem Memon, private sector involvement would make the procurement process more efficient and transparent, improve distribution in line with supply and demand, and encourage investment in modern storage, transportation, and infrastructure. Such collaboration would enhance the overall performance of the wheat supply chain, reduce dependency on government entities, and mitigate risks related to delays or bureaucratic hurdles.

Finally, Muhammad Saleem Memon stated that the HCSTSI is ready to collaborate with the Government of Sindh, the Food Department, and relevant authorities to establish a transparent, fair, and consumer-friendly system for wheat procurement and distribution that serves the public interest effectively.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025