IANS | 30 Jan, 2012

There is no shortage of wheat in Pakistan and the country is rolling out a series of steps to facilitate farmers, including enhancing support price and providing subsidy on electricity.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan Sunday said at a village in Punjab province that there was no wheat shortage. The country is in a position to export it, reported Associated Press of Pakistan.

She said the government was trying its best to minimise economic burden on the farmers by enhancing wheat support price from Rs.450 to Rs.1,150, besides ensuring quality seed, fertiliser and providing subsidy on electricity.

The minister said the government had focused its special attention on the promotion of agro-based sector because 70 percent of the country's population was engaged with this sector.

Pakistan has an estimated population of 180 million.

She said the government has evolved a strategy for providing basic amenities in rural and far-flung areas, which were neglected in the past.

This would be helpful in discouraging rapid migration from rural to urban areas, she said, adding it would also help in reducing the population burden on big cities.