Commissioner Lahore Division Jawad Rafique Malik said on Friday that middlemen would not be allowed to sell wheat to the Punjab Food Department. Provision of gunny bags and purchase of wheat would be made as per policy of the government in the presence of government officials at procurement centers, he added.
He was addressing a meeting regarding wheat procurement drive commencing from April 15 on Thursday, disclosed an official. Malik said that the DCO Lahore would appoint honest and expert officials who would redress the grievances of the wheat growers along with the purchase of wheat.
He directed that procurement of wheat, quantity of gunny bags and transport charges should be displayed at every procurement center. He further directed that special steps should be taken to facilitate the farmers and the small farmers be allowed to get 10 to 100 bags, including 100 jute bags or 200 polypropylene bags, from the procurement centers.
"Wheat procurement centers of last year will remain operational; however, if necessary any center will be changed or stopped in consultation with the DCO, Director Food or Deputy Director Food. He further directed that process of procurement of wheat and distribution of gunny bags should be made transparent at the procurement centers. He said payments of wheat would be made through the nearest bank. He further said a committee comprising concerned MPA, Coordinator, DCO, Police Officials, EDO Agriculture, District Food Controller and the representatives of the farmers be constituted for transparent procurement of wheat which will solve problems of the farmers at the spot.