Sindh Wheat Subsidy Dispute Intensifies as Millers Allege Trader Capture
Small-trader leaders call for audits to refocus the Rs85 billion programme on end consumers.
Overview
- PFMA leaders say wheat sold by the province at Rs8,000 per 100kg is reaching mills at about Rs9,500 after trader intermediation, eroding the intended consumer benefit.
- Millers report traders received supplies from the Pipri godown while mills were restricted to roughly 8,000–15,000 bags per day from Landhi godowns.
- PFMA claims the Food Department declined joint inspections of older wheat held at Landhi, raising concerns about grain quality and public health.
- Millers allege traders obtained challans and moved subsidised grain to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, diverting relief meant for Sindh consumers.
- Trader and miller representatives urge transparent audits and a review of allotment rules, with PFMA disputing official stock figures and seeking an inquiry ahead of the March harvest.