Staff Report
ISLAMABAD:
Federal cabinet is likely to approve a proposal to establish a centralized database in the ministry of national food security and research (MNFS&R) with the mandate to collect information/data related to essential commodities.
According to sources, the federal cabinet on Tuesday will take up a summary of the MNFS&R regarding establishing a centralized database with the mandate to collect information/data related to essential commodities.
As per details, the MNFS&R, in a summary, has pleaded that in order to monitor and regulate production, supply, demand and prices of essential food commodities, it is important that a central database alongwith dashboard is established at the federal level in the ministry of national food security and research (MNFS&R). The primary objective is to access relevant information and take timely decision to prevent shortage, hoarding, profiteering and market distortions and ensure smooth supply of essential commodities to the masses. Concurrently, the federal government is responsible to ensure inter provincial flow of essential commodities, fix support or indicative price of essential food commodities and minimize food deficiencies and malnutrition.
To achieve the above stated objectives, it is imperative that the federal and provincial governments work in harmony and share real time data/information with each other. For this purpose, adequate legal and institutional framework is required at the federal level.
It is pertinent to mention that presently, there is no legal framework available, which binds federal and provincial governments and organizations working under their control to share data/information, essential to ensure food security in the country.
Law and Justice Division has already vetted the proposal to establish in the MNFS&R with the mandate to collect information/data related to essential food commodities.
