After Floods, Food Security May Emerge As Challenge.

ISLAMABAD -- The national humanitarian disaster of the decade - devastating flood - continues to play havoc in most parts of the country. The re-emergence of another cycle of monsoon in September may increase the sufferings of homeless flood victims who have already lost their near and dear ones and are currently surviving in shelterless areas.

Though the leadership of federal and provincial governments were seen intensely engaged in political wrangling, yet they are now seen giving attention towards the worries of flood victims. Experts believe that the rescue and relief operations are still insufficient especially in far-flung and unapproachable areas.

With the loss of precious lives, the ravishing floods have badly damaged agricultural lands in the country. The inundated ripe crops have obviously been badly damaged in mainly Sindh and Southern Punjab areas, which may cause another disaster in terms of food insecurity in the country.

This impact of food shortage [mainly vegetables] will soon start emerging in the country. 'The ripe crops in Sindh, Southern Punjab and some areas of Balochistan have been affected. The challenge ahead for the farmers will be cultivation of crops,' Pakistan Kissan Ittehad president Khalid Khokhar said while talking to this scribe.

Recurring of another monsoon's cycle may increase sufferings of flood victims

'Import of wheat in bulk quantity will be a challenge for the country,' he feared, adding that the next year would be toughest for the farmers and the government will have to take care of the requirements related to agriculture.

Realising the gravity of the situation, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Tariq Bashir Cheema has also consulted with provinces on minimum wheat support price. However, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet...