ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Friday told the National Assembly, that the government has imposed a temporary ban on the exports of banana and onion during the holy month of Ramadan.
He said the decision was made at the cabinet level after the submission of a summary by the Ministry of National Food Security, and price hikes estimated by sensitive price index and export association.
The development came in response to a calling attention notice by Syed Naveed Qamar and other lawmakers regarding the impact of such decision on agricultural exports.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan assured the assembly that the ban would remain only in Ramadan highlighting the government’s sensitivity to the concerns of the agriculturists.
He added the temporary ban on the export of bananas and onions during Ramadan will ensure an adequate supply of these essential commodities during the holy month at the domestic level. The decision would ease common people and does not create a false shortage of the food items.
He went on to say that the government’s move shows its commitment to balancing the needs of local consumers with the interests of farmers.
The minister said the ban presents a short-term restriction on export opportunities for farmers, it underscores the government’s approach to managing food security during Ramadan.
However, he assured that the government is fully aware of the concerns of the farmers and hinted that this timeframe could be shortened if things progress smoothly.
