The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security & Research, on Friday, was informed that recent torrential rains and flash floods have damaged approximately 2.5 million acres of agricultural land across Pakistan.
During the meeting chaired by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, officials reported that about 7% of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s farmland was severely affected, with standing crops on over 3.5 million acres destroyed. The worst-hit crops include rice, sugarcane, and maize, particularly in Punjab.Â
The chairman described the situation as a national disaster and urged immediate assistance for affected farmers through the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP).
Concerns were also raised over a sharp decline in Basmati rice exports. The Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association highlighted that Pakistan, once a leading rice exporter, is now witnessing shipments to the EU fall below India’s levels due to disrupted logistics.
The committee decided to consult all key exporter and importer associations before finalising the National Food Security & Agriculture (NAFSA) Ordinance, directing stakeholders to submit formal recommendations ahead of the next session.
The panel also criticised non-compliance with previous directives regarding the appointment of the Director General of Plant Protection, which had been nullified by the court but remained unnotified. Two separate inquiries into rice consignment irregularities were shared, covering officers from 2005 to 2025, including retirees.
The meeting was attended by Senators Poonjo Bheel, Rahat Jamali, Danesh Kumar, Aimal Wali Khan, Sardar Al Haj Muhammad Umer Gorgaij, and Abdul Karim, with Senators Salim Mandviwalla and Rana Mehmood ul Hassan present as special invitees.
