WFP procured food, non-food items worth $68m
By Adnan Rafique

Islamabad—United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) made purchases of over 68 million dollars from Pakistan during 2006-2007.
WFP's procurement unit that purchases food commodities, non-food items and services, has had a busy time since the start of the year during which it made purchases worth US$ 2.1 million of food commodities and US$ 1.7 million of non-food inputs for Pakistan programmes. "WFP shares the Government of Pakistan's commitment to eradicating poverty and the organization has proven a reliable, low-cast and high impact means for reaching the poor." Peter French, WFP Country Director in Pakistan said.
As much as 38,621 metric tons of commodities of which wheat comprised the major chunk followed by yellow split peas, vitamin fortified biscuits, salt and sugar. The commodities were for operations being conducted by WFP in the earthquake-affected areas of Pakistan-Administered Kashmir (PAK) and the North West Frontier Province (NWFP). The significant procurements were mainly for reconstruction and rehabilitation programmes. These purchases included green houses, interlocking block-making machines, sewing machines, fruit and vegetable nursery tool kits and seeds.
In 2006, WFP procured 62,438 metric tons of commodities from Pakistan for its programme within the country including wheat, yellow split peas, rice, high energy biscuits, iodised salt and blended food whereas a total of 51.499 metric tons of mixed commodities were procured during 2007. Peter French further said, that "for almost 40 years, WFP has been a steadfast partner of the govt. of Pakistan in its relief and development efforts. Since 1968 WFP has invested more than US$1.4 billion assisting successive generations of Pakistan's poorest citizens and the refugees who sought its shelter. WFP has invested over US$ 90 million in local logistic services, and has expended US$ 40 million on tools, equipments, and other non-food items from local industry for its operations in Pakistan and abroad."
Similarly, the WFP spent US $15.7 million for purchasing non-food items last year. The top non-food items included ICT equipment, shipping containers and security material. It also consisted of products like green houses, kitchen garden tools. The significant services procured under this category comprised cargo handling and construction of WFP warehouse.