Representatives of Punjab’s flour milling industry have urged Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and relevant authorities to restore the previous transparent system of distributing subsidised government wheat quotas, alleging that the existing allocation policy has created significant disparities among flour mills.
Led by Sheikh Zeeshan Saeed, the industry representatives demanded that all flour mills be treated equally and allocated government wheat according to their installed roller-body capacity and the population of their respective service areas.
They said the previous system allocated daily government wheat quotas based on each mill’s roller-body capacity, allowing mills to maintain production according to their operational potential.
However, under the revised policy, flour mills have been divided into two categories — functional and non-functional — followed by a new formula for allocating subsidised wheat.
According to industry representatives, the revised mechanism has resulted in considerable differences in wheat allocations among mills.
Significant Differences in Wheat Quotas
The representatives claimed that during the previous wheat season, some flour mills received up to 1,500 bags of subsidised wheat daily, while others were allocated only 10 bags.
They said similar disparities continued during the current season, with some mills reportedly receiving 600 bags daily, others 50 bags, and certain mills receiving just 10 bags.
The millers argued that unequal distribution was affecting business operations, particularly the ability of smaller mills to maintain regular production.
Millers Warn of Impact on Flour Supply
Industry representatives warned that the situation could affect thousands of workers associated with the flour milling sector and potentially disrupt the uninterrupted supply of flour to consumers.
They called on the Punjab government to review the existing allocation mechanism, ensure transparency and introduce a uniform, capacity-based formula.
Under their proposed arrangement, wheat quotas should reflect each mill’s installed roller-body capacity and the population of the area it serves.
The representatives maintained that an equitable distribution system was necessary to provide a level playing field for flour mills while ensuring the continued availability of affordable flour to consumers.