Wheat flour is the most expensive in Pakistan. Poor people are very worried because of high cost

 

Mahassan maitla 

Wheat flour is one of the most essential food items in Pakistan. It is used to make a wide variety of traditional dishes, such as roti, chapati, and naan. However, the cost of wheat flour has risen dramatically in recent years, causing significant financial strain on many poor households.

Pakistan is one of the world's largest producers of wheat, but despite this, the cost of wheat flour has become increasingly high. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the price of wheat flour increased by 16% between 2019 and 2020. This increase has been driven by a variety of factors, including inflation, a decrease in wheat production due to crop disease, and government policies.

The impact of the high cost of wheat flour on poor households in Pakistan has been severe. Many families are unable to afford to purchase enough wheat flour to meet their basic needs, leading to malnutrition and other health problems. The high cost of wheat flour has also led to increased poverty and economic hardship, as many families are forced to spend a larger portion of their income on food.

One of the main reasons for the high cost of wheat flour in Pakistan is inflation. The rate of inflation in Pakistan has been on the rise in recent years, driven in part by rising fuel and energy costs. As the cost of living increases, so too does the cost of wheat flour. This is especially true for poor households, as they are less able to absorb the increased costs.

Another factor that has contributed to the high cost of wheat flour in Pakistan is a decrease in wheat production. This has been caused by a number of factors, including crop disease and weather-related disasters. For example, in 2019, Pakistan experienced a severe heatwave which led to significant crop losses. As a result, there was a shortage of wheat, which led to an increase in the cost of wheat flour.

Government policies have also played a role in the high cost of wheat flour in Pakistan. The government regulates the price of wheat flour through the imposition of taxes and tariffs. For example, the government has imposed a sales tax on wheat flour, which has increased the cost of the commodity. Additionally, the government has also been criticized for failing to take action to control the rising cost of wheat flour.

The high cost of wheat flour has had a profound impact on the lives of poor people in Pakistan. Many families are unable to afford to purchase enough wheat flour to meet their basic needs, leading to malnutrition and other health problems. This is especially true for children, who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of malnutrition.

The high cost of wheat flour has also had a negative impact on the economy, as many households are forced to spend a larger portion of their income on food. This limits their ability to purchase other goods and services, which can further depress economic growth. Moreover, the high cost of wheat flour can exacerbate poverty and make it more difficult for people to escape poverty.

Despite these challenges, there are also some steps that can be taken to address the high cost of wheat flour in Pakistan. The government can take steps to increase wheat production, such as by investing in agricultural research and development and providing financial assistance to farmers. Additionally, the government can take steps to control inflation, such as by implementing monetary policy measures.

Additionally, the government can look into subsidies and other forms of aid to assist the poor in purchasing wheat flour. This could be targeted aid or other forms of targeted subsidies that would help those most in need access the staple food.

Finally, nongovernmental organizations can play an important role in addressing the high cost of wheat flour in Pakistan. These organizations can work to improve access to food for poor households, through programs such as food banks and other forms of food aid. They