Wheat procurement: Centre orders payment of Rs six billion to Punjab government

Punjab Secretary Food Muhammad Irfan Elahi has said that the federal government has ordered to pay Rs six billion to the Punjab government, out of 13 billion, as charges of transportation and other expenses incurred on 2.5 million tons of wheat, procured by the federation from Punjab.
While talking to journalists here on Monday, he further said that the federal government had bought 2.5 million tons of wheat as 'Federal Strategic Reserves.' The provincial government had demanded Rs 13 billion from the federation as charges of transportation, fumigation and other protective measures.
As per agreement with the federation, the federal government had approved payment of about half of this amount in two equal instalments of 3022.753 million while rest of the payment would be made shortly. The Punjab government is taking steps to make the forthcoming wheat procurement drive 'farmers' friendly.'
Provincial Food Minister Malik Nadeem Kamran has convened a meeting of farmers' organisations on Wednesday (tomorrow) to seek proposals from the organisations representing growers to make the drive a success and farmers' friendly. A policy should be devised to safeguard the interests of the farmers, a spokesman of the food department said.
The Punjab Agriculture Department advised the wheat growers to use balanced fertilisers for ensuring a maximum per acre yield. The advisory issued in this regard said that over-application of Urea fertiliser not only enhances the fear of attack of 'jassid' but also develops fear of falling of the crop that leads to less production.
Nevertheless, the advisory added, if wheat is sown late, recommended quantity of Urea is not applied and crop seemed yellowish then growers should spray solution of two percent of Urea fertilisers. It warned that excessive use of Urea might burn the crop so only two kilograms of Urea should be used in 100 liters of water to make solution.