The Punjab Food Department since April 20 last has purchased over 810,000 tonnes of wheat from farmers on cash payment at the support price of Rs 413 per 40 kg across the province.
Punjab Food Secretary Muhammad Ahsan Raja told APP here, the procurement campaign was in full swing and would continue till the purchase of last grain of wheat. He said the Food Department was trying to ensure timely payment to the cultivators of their produce. Wheat procurement policy-2006 was being strictly implemented regarding the supply of gunny bags to the farmers, he added.
Raja said local and divisional teams were constantly visiting the wheat procurement centres in their respective jurisdiction while Provincial Director Food, Muhammad Irfan Elahi was also conducting surprise visits to ensure fair deal with farmers. The secretary said a toll free telephone, 042-0800-60606 has been set up to help wheat growers and redress their grievances. He said he suspended a food inspector, relieved one district food controller and three other officials from duty for gross negligence during the current wheat procurement.