90% bags for collecting wheat distributed

Punjab minister says interest of farmers being ensured during the procurement

LAHORE: Provincial Senior Minister Abdul Aleem Khan has said that a coordinated policy has been implemented for the procurement of wheat in Punjab while trying to bring direct benefits to the farmers.

Replying to lawmakers’ questions about the Food Department in the Punjab Assembly, he added that 72 per cent target of the procurement of wheat has been achieved in Punjab, while the distribution of 92 per cent bags to farmers has been completed for the purpose so far.

The minister said the Punjab government has ensured uninterrupted supply of sacks to the farmers all over the province this year. He told the house that he had inspected the wheat procurement drive and found no complaint on the ground.

He said Punjab has set a target of purchasing 4.5 million tonnes of wheat, which will hopefully be completed ahead of time. He said the Punjab government would also meet the wheat requirement of K-P besides. He said the additional purchase of 500,000 tonnes is also under consideration to meet an extraordinary situation.

The minister said illegal transportation of wheat in Punjab has been strictly curtailed and largescale operations have been carried out against hoarders without any discrimination.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 13^th, 2020.