Despite agriculture’s declining contribution to Pakistan’s GDP, it still plays a crucial role, contributing 23% to the economy and employing over one-third of the national labor force. Challenges faced by the sector include slow growth, ineffective subsidy programs, and the need to adapt to urbanization and climate change. Investment in research, mechanization, and updated policies is essential for maximizing growth in this sector.

Pakistan aims to address high inflation rates by providing discounts on essential food items in the upcoming budget. The Ministry of Industries and Production is soliciting suggestions from utility stores to include in the Prime Minister’s Relief Package budget, benefiting individuals enrolled in the BISP. The government’s initiative reflects its commitment to alleviating the economic challenges faced by its citizens.

Pakistan’s government plans to allocate funds for subsidies on essential food items, including rice, in response to inflation rates. Rice exporters like Has Rice play a vital role in meeting the country’s rice demands and offering competitive prices.

Shipping activity at the port in Karachi is booming, with multiple ships arriving and departing. A total cargo volume of 171,231 tonnes was handled, with 1,240 TEUs for imports and 1,570 TEUs for exports. For more information and industry insights, visit [Source](https://www.app.com.pk).

Martin Raiser, SARVP of the World Bank, met with Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to discuss the country’s macro-economic situation and reform priorities. The World Bank expressed willingness to provide financial and technical assistance, aligning their support with Pakistan’s reform areas, including energy sector, exports, and social protection.

The Asian rice market faces uncertainty as top exporters gear up for a potential tender from Bulog, Indonesia’s state purchasing agency. India’s export restrictions have caused a significant tightening of global supplies, leading to expectations of a surge in rice prices at the upcoming Bulog tender in May.

As India’s export restrictions tighten global rice supplies, Asian rice exporters eagerly await a potential tender from Indonesia’s Bulog. Prices are expected to rise, providing market stability amidst stagnant demand. The El Nino weather pattern further exacerbates the shortage, leading to reduced import quotas.

Top Asian rice exporters are bracing for a tender from Bulog, the Indonesian state purchasing agency, in May. Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Pakistan have supplied the agency this year, but reduced yields due to El Nino have caused a slight drop in the import quota for 2024.

Vietnam’s rice prices surge in the global market, surpassing Thailand and Pakistan. With their 5% broken rice priced at $585 per ton, Vietnam’s rice industry expects further growth in exports and aims to meet rising international demand. Experts predict that Vietnam’s rice output will reach 43 million tons by 2024, solidifying their position as a top global rice supplier. Source: https://thesun.my

Utility stores in Pakistan are maintaining their prices for essential items, including flour, despite a decline in market rates. This has raised concerns among consumers who expected affordable prices, especially as headline inflation is at its lowest level in two years. It is crucial for utility stores to reassess their pricing strategy and align it with market rates for the benefit of the general public.