Balochistan to buy 0.5m tons wheat

The provincial government to buy 500,000 tons of wheat to ensure food security

QUETTA:

Balochistan government has decided to procure 500,000 tons of wheat under the provincial government wheat procurement policy 2024.

In a bid to ensure food security and support local farmers, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti chaired an important meeting of the Food Department, where a comprehensive review of the wheat procurement policy and plan for 2024 was undertaken.

During the meeting, it was decided that the wheat procurement process would kick off from the upcoming Monday across Balochistan. Chief Minister ordered the procurement of 500,000 tons of wheat directly from farmers this year, aiming to bolster agricultural activities in the region.

To facilitate the procurement, the cabinet approved an allocation of Rs5 billion. Chief Minister Bugti directed the Finance Department to release Rs2.5 billion on Monday, with the remaining amount scheduled for release later this month. Additionally, an immediate release of Rs13.9 million was sanctioned for the purchase of bags essential for the procurement process.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Bugti reiterated his commitment to providing relief to farmers and ensure transparency in the functioning of the Food Department. He expressed determination to eradicate corruption and restore trust in the department, acknowledging the past scandals that had tarnished its reputation.

Secretary Food Balochistan, Asghar Harifal, briefed the meeting on the finalized steps for wheat procurement, indicating a proactive approach towards executing the plan.

Provincial Food Minister Noor Muhammad Damar and Mir Tariq Magsi were among the key participants, underscoring the government’s concerted efforts in this regard.

The meeting also saw the presence of Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, Principal Secretary Imran Zarkoon, Special Secretary Isfandiar Baloch, and other relevant officials, reflecting a collaborative approach towards implementing the wheat procurement plan effectively.

It may be recalled that in a directive last month, Bugti urged the importance of accountability and responsiveness to public concerns, urging all government members to actively engage with the populace and address their grievances.

“As elected representatives, it is our solemn duty to lend an ear to the people’s problems and work tirelessly to resolve them,” he said.

“We have been entrusted with a mandate to serve the public and restore their faith in the state and its institutions,” he said.

Chief Minister Bugti’s remarks come amidst a case of recidivism involving a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) member provincial assembly, Ali Madad Jattak and a professor at the University of Balochistan, shedding light on broader issues of governance and accountability within the province. The PPP lawmaker was accused of using an aggressive and inappropriate language with a female university professor. This caused an outcry on social media prompting the Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti to seek apology on behalf of Ali Madad Jattak from the female professor.

“Where mistakes have been made, the government stands ready to offer sincere apologies to the people,” affirmed Chief Minister Bugti. “Our commitment lies in service and improvement, with a staunch rejection of any malice or wrongdoing,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune May 4^th, 2024.