ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — The UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food Department of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) on Feb. 9 inaugurated a model 3,000-tonne wheat storage facility in Malakand, a province in Pakistan.

“This facility will act as a model with its improved design and testing facility which we hope to replicate in other areas of KPK given the need for expanded storage facilities in the province,” said the Additional Secretary of Food Department.

The storage facility was built by the WFP and includes a training facility, office area and wheat testing laboratory. The WFP said the facility will help the Food Department balance the supply and demand of wheat flour to safeguard the interests of both growers and consumers. In addition, the training facility will help build the capacities of Food Department staff and other partners in areas of wheat storage management.

“WFP is committed to helping strengthen food systems in Pakistan,” said Chris Kaye, country director for the WFP. “During the recent floods, it was painfully obvious that much needs to be done to help protect and manage one of Pakistan’s most precious commodities — wheat. Improved storage capacity is a prerequisite and a systems approach can help bring benefits to farmers and consumers.”

Construction of the wheat storage facility is part of the implementation of WFP Pakistan’s new Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023–2027.