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Journalism of Courage
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has blamed the Centre for sitting on the state’s proposal to export wheat to Pakistan.
A statement issued by the state government today said that the Chief Minister has sought the Centre’s clearance for exporting wheat to Pakistan and had met Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution Sharad Yadav in this regard. According to the statement, MARFED had interacted with a trade delegation from Pakistan and the Pakistan Flour Mills Association. In fact, the state government also claimed that the Association has already issued a letter of interest to import 2 lakh metric tonne of wheat immediately, with Pakistan projecting a requirement of 20 lakh metric tonne. However, Islamabad has reiterated its decision to ban the import of Indian wheat.
Punjab Agriculture Minister Avatar Henry today told The Indian Express, ‘‘I am unaware of Pakistan’s stand that they do not want wheat from India.’’ He said that the state’s initiative to seek clearance from the Centre for exports was ‘‘made in the interest of Punjab’s farmers’’. ‘‘All we have in mind while seeking the export of wheat was that it would fetch the farmers rich dividends,’’ he added.
‘‘The trade will also ease the pressure on railway rakes for movement of wheat since trade with Pakistan can be done through trucks via the Wagah border. It will also save a considerable amount of time,’’ said the statement quoting the Chief Minister.
However, the External Affairs Ministry said that it supports Punjab’s decision to export its surplus wheat to Pakistan. ‘‘Even though there is a shortage of wheat in Pakistan, Islamabad has made it clear that Indian wheat cannot be imported as they claim that it is afflicted by Karnal bunt,’’ said an official.
The Punjab government, on the other hand, also wants to export cotton to Pakistan as the latter’s consumption, it says, is expected to touch 121 lakh bales. According to Singh, the proposal to export cotton to Pakistan is yet to get clearance from the ministries of Commerce and External Affairs.
While the MEA admitted having received the proposal for the export of wheat, it said that a similar proposal for cotton was still awaited.
