Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has announced an ambitious Food Security strategy aimed at making the province self-sufficient in key sectors by 2030. Sohail Afridi announced the plan during a World Food Safety Day ceremony in Peshawar.
The initiative matters because food availability and agricultural productivity remain critical concerns for the province. Moreover, the government plans to increase budget allocations for food-related projects in the upcoming fiscal year to support long-term growth.
Sohail Afridi Expands Food Security Plans
Sohail Afridi stated that the provincial government has already issued directives to relevant departments to accelerate efforts toward self-sufficiency. According to his remarks, comprehensive planning is underway to strengthen agricultural output and improve food management systems.
Furthermore, he announced that the upcoming provincial budget would include higher allocations for the food department. These funds are expected to support initiatives that improve food availability and sustainability across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Food Security Through Modern Wheat Storage
A key component of the government’s Food Security agenda involves the construction of modern wheat storage facilities. These technology-driven storage centers will reduce post-harvest losses and improve food preservation.
In addition, the facilities are expected to strengthen the province’s ability to maintain stable food reserves. Officials believe improved storage infrastructure can help reduce waste while ensuring reliable food supplies throughout the year.
KP Food Safety Authority Highlights Progress
Speaking at the ceremony, Sohail Afridi emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding safe food practices and responsible consumption. He stated that food safety remains an essential requirement in today’s environment.
Meanwhile, he credited the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety and Halal Food Authority for improving access to safe and healthy food. Officials say the authority has strengthened food quality standards across the province.
Sohail Afridi Raises Wheat Supply Concerns
During his address, the chief minister also discussed intergovernmental issues affecting the province. He said the Punjab government suspended wheat supplies to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Moreover, he said that repeated communications from the provincial government had reportedly not received a positive response. He argued that such issues could affect efforts aimed at improving agricultural stability and food management.
CRBC Project Linked to Food Security
Sohail Afridi highlighted the importance of the Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) Project in achieving agricultural growth and long-term Food Security. He noted that the provincial government had allocated Rs3 billion for the project.
However, he stated that The federal government did not include a corresponding allocation despite previous commitments According to Afridi, the project would bring large areas of cultivable land under irrigation and significantly boost agricultural production.
Federal Funding Disputes and Development Projects
The chief minister also highlighted several development projects that face delays. He stated that the provincial government had provided Rs4 billion in bridge financing for the Northern Bypass Project.
Additionally, he said the Peshawar Bus Terminal had been completed but remained non-operational because the required NOC had not been issued. Likewise, a dam project in Swat was reportedly ready for inauguration, yet federal approval for visiting foreign engineers was still pending.
Sohail Afridi Criticizes Gas Supply Policies
Afridi expressed concern over what he described as discriminatory treatment toward Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He stated that provinces producing natural gas should receive priority access under constitutional provisions.
According to his remarks, KP produces more than 500 mmcfd of natural gas but consumes only about 150 mmcfd. Nevertheless, he claimed that federal restrictions on gas supply continue to affect households across the province.
KP Food Security Remains Key Priority
Looking ahead, the provincial government appears focused on expanding agricultural capacity and improving food management systems. Increased funding, modern wheat storage facilities, and irrigation projects will support these goals.
At the same time, ongoing disputes regarding federal funding and resource allocation may continue to shape the pace of implementation. Nevertheless, Sohail Afridi stated that achieving Food Security remains a central objective for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by 2030.
