CM aide vows to protect farmers

Says payment of fixed price for sugarcane will be ensured

LAHORE: Adviser to Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Aun Chaudhary has stated that the exploitation of farmers will not be tolerated and payment of a fixed price for sugarcane produce will be ensured at all costs.

"The development of agriculture sector along with welfare of farmers is the priority of the government," he said during a visit to Shah Taj Sugar Mills in Mandi Bahauddin on Friday.

Terming the agriculture sector a lynchpin of national economy, the adviser added that its development on durable lines could not be ensured without facilitating farmers.

"Development of the agriculture sector and prosperity of the farmers remain top targets of the government and solid steps are being taken in this regard," Chaudhry emphasised.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Mehtab Wasim Azhar briefed the adviser about the sugarcane crushing season.

He gave assurances to the adviser that measures had been initiated to ensure sugarcane farmers were paid for their produce in the Mandi Bahauddin district.



Sugarcane production in the district stood at 352,000 tons this year and 74% payments had been disbursed to the growers, the DC said. "Rest of the payments will be made within one week."

The adviser held a meeting with the farmers regarding payments. The farmers appreciated the timely steps taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan which steered timely payments.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th, 2019.

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