Vegetable prices defy govt intervention

Flawed import, export policies hike vegetable rates

LAHORE:

The authorities are facing difficulties in reining in the prices of vegetables that have skyrocketed due to a decrease in production caused by the recent rains and floods, as well as flawed government policies regarding their import and export.

A large quantity of onions was exported while ignoring the need for sufficient stocks to meet the needs within the country and tomato import from Iran was halted at a critical time, experts in the farming sector said while explaining the causes of the price hike.

They said potatoes, tomatoes, onions and other vegetables were being sold at higher prices than the official rates and it might take up to two months for things to get better.

Even the Sahulat Bazaars set up by the government to sell the commodities at official rates have failed to provide relief to the majority of the people.

Lack of coordination between the federal and provincial governments is also causing problems. Tomatoes were imported from Iran, but the federal government had banned it. When the floods and rains caused a shortage of tomatoes in the country, permission for import from Iran was given after a delay.

On the other hand, onions were exported to countries in the Middle East and other regions while disregarding the national requirement.

Last year’s high potato yield caused losses to farmers. As the government did not provide subsidies, the harvest this year was lower and the prices increased.

In Lahore, the commissioner and deputy commissioner have failed to control the prices of vegetables, fruits and meat through their orders and visits to markets. Sugar-free potatoes are being sold at Rs80 per kg instead of the official price of Rs59.

Onions of third grade quality are being sold at Rs80 per kg instead of Rs52, tomatoes at Rs150 instead of Rs112, local garlic at Rs350 instead of Rs250 and Chinese ginger Rs600 instead of Rs400.

Fruits are available at 25 to 50 per cent higher prices than the rates set by the government. Mutton is being sold at Rs1,200 to Rs1,300 instead of Rs900 per kg and beef for Rs650 instead of Rs550.

The Punjab government has set up Sahulat Bazaars across the province so that people can get the food items at government rates. However, there are complaints of poor quality of the products.

Deputy Commissioner Lahore Mudassar Riaz assigned all relevant departments responsibilities to make the 31 bazaars in the city successful. The livestock department will ensure the supply of beef, chicken, mutton and eggs at official rates and veterinary department will monitor their quality. Market committee officers will check the quality of essential commodities, rate lists and farmers’ issues. LWMC staff will perform cleaning work in uniform. Civil defence staff will help the elderly and people with special needs and perform security duties. The Lahore Parking Authority will ensure free parking facility.

The Directorate of Industries, Prices, weights and Measures will report on the prices of flour, sugar and other essential commodities. The health department will establish first aid points, provide motorbike ambulances, hand sanitisers, soaps and masks.

The metropolitan corporation will ensure the supply of commodities, quality, hygiene, elimination of encroachments, registration of stall holders and collection of fee from them, response on complaints, security arrangements at walkthrough gates and sale of 20 kg and 10 kg flour bags at official rates.

The district food controller will review the flour supply three times a day.

Secretary Market Committee Shehzad Cheema said the government would have to take tough and timely decisions to control inflation. Inter-provincial consultation, monitoring and forecasting must be ensured. He said action is being taken against the profiteers and complaint cells have been set up in the markets to address the problems of farmers, vendors and middlemen.

Deputy Commissioner Mudassar Riaz said price control magistrates and officers of other departments had been posted and the Tiger Force had also been included in action against profiteers.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 20^th, 2020.