After sugar fiasco, Pakistan eyes wheat products’ export

After the controversial sugar export decision that sent sugar prices soaring, the Pakistan government is now considering another export plan — this time for wheat-based products.

Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, who allowed the export of 750,000 tons of sugar from June 2024 to January 2025, is again in the spotlight.

Millers had pledged to cap sugar prices at PKR 144 per kilogram. But retail rates spiked beyond PKR 180, and the government turned a blind eye.

Now, Hussain says the government is actively exploring global markets for value-added wheat products to boost agricultural exports and generate jobs.

Officials working in the industry and food ministries told Nukta the move mirrors the sugar saga, where promises made were not promises kept.

“We saw no action when sugar prices shot up, nor when fertilizer companies hiked urea prices by PKR 550 per bag last April despite no increase in their input gas tariffs,” they said.

“The minister held meetings, issued warnings — but ultimately did nothing. Meanwhile, the sector reaped record profits.”

At a high-level meeting, Hussain promoted the idea of exporting wheat-derived goods like cereals, pasta, flour mixes, and bakery items.

“Wheat is not just a crop; it's a vehicle for agro-industrial transformation,” he said.

“This shift can bring foreign exchange, uplift farmers’ incomes, and modernize the wheat value chain.”

He said innovation and private-sector partnerships will be central to the strategy. “Our goal is to turn wheat into a high-value export stream,” he added.

But as consumers still reel from the sugar shock and skyrocketing food prices, many are skeptical.