The export orders are on the decline due to unavailability of gas to produce value-added ‘parboiled rice’, which may increase foreign exchange earnings by 15 per cent due to value-addition.

The millers have demanded the SNGPL to formulate a comprehensive curtailment policy in consultation with relative stakeholders. “The paddy harvesting season starts in November and we require a consistent gas supply to dry wet paddy entering the markets. A consistent gas supply in November – December –January would ensure that we save our agriculture grains from damages or fungal attacks that produce Mycotoxins (A Carcinogenic & Genotoxic Disease). Saving the grains from damages is the highest priority during winter and this is unachievable in absence of gas supplies” added rice millers.

They also informed that rice sector is one of major fuel providers through husk supplies in local markets. Unfortunately, the husk is not available in November, December and unless we dry paddy through gas availability, we may ensure better supply of husk in markets.

Meanwhile, a delegation of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) visited Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) Gujranwala office. The delegation, led by Chaudhry Samee Ullah, Vice Chairman REAP, met with Pervaiz, General Manager Gujranwala, and informed him of the contribution of the rice export sector which contributed around $2.5 billion to national exchequer for past consecutive four years. He urged SNGPL to ensure gas supply to rice millers and exporters on priority basis as export sector is the lifeline of Pakistan.

GM SNGPL welcomed the delegation and assured REAP of its fullest support to exports sector. He informed the delegation that country has faced acute shortage of gas supply during winter season and hoped that the conditions would rationalize as summer approaches. He also supported REAP of its due demand that gas supply to rice sector is critical during November, December & January so that paddy may be dried out timely to save the grains from damage/disease.

He recommended REAP to formally present a written request so that same may be forwarded with Regional Office Recommendation to Head Office SNGPL for incorporating in coming year load management plan. He reinstated that he is a sturdy supporter of involvement of relative stakeholders in formulation of effective policies to encounter challenges that prevail in current times.

He appreciated the progress of exporters that has brought revolution in rural economy of Pakistan through its support to farmers and assured its support to accomplish export target of $3 billion for coming year. Sheikh and Vice President Mian Abuzar Shad said that the business community strongly opposes increase in the wage ceiling from Rs.12000 to Rs.15000.