About Us

History

The Food Department was established in the 2nd World War during 1945 to meet the deficiency of food in India. Initially its name was Civil Supplies Department and used to supply a number of articles including atta, wheat, rice and sugar. A number of items used to be distributed even after creation of Pakistan. Lastly only three items i..e sugar, rice and atta used to be distributed through rationing by Food Department. During 1984-85 sugar was de- rationed in junejo regime and finally atta and rice were also de-regulated during 1986. With this, rationing system was completely abandoned.

However, it was decided that government may continue procuring wheat at support price and supply to the flour mills at subsidized rates and subsidy may be withdrawn gradually within next few years.

Since then, subsidy is continuously paid for the benefit of People, quantum of which continued to vary with the quantity of imported wheat consumed.

Government had to protect the interest of the growers on one hand ensuring that they get due return of their produce and the consumers, on the other ensuring that they get wheat flour (Atta), the staple food at affordable price.

Combination of the above two contrasting objectives made provision of subsidy inevitable.

Objectives of Food Department

  • Administration of the Tea (Control of Prices Distribution and Movement) Ordinance 1960. (Through reflected in rules of business but no longer function of department).
  • Food Procurement, rationing and distribution (Wheat).
  • Storage of Food grains (wheat).
  • Service matters, except those entrusted to the Services, General Administration and Coordination Department.

Functions of the Department

  • Extending the benefits of Support Price to Wheat growers to avoid exploitation by the hoarders and profiteers.
  • Ensuring adequate returns to the growers to provide incentive to increase Wheat production in the Province.
  • Providing Atta at affordable price to the general Public and ensure food security.
  • Maintain Wheat strategic reserves in the Province.