LAHORE: The Punjab food department has increased the quota of government wheat for flour mills from 17,500 to 20,000 metric tonnes per day to ensure abundant availability of flour at fixed rates across the province.

This was stated in a briefing during the daily-review meeting on price control chaired by the Chief Secretary Punjab. The meeting discussed in detail the prices and availability of essential commodities including flour and sugar in Sahulat bazaars and open market.

The chief secretary directed the officers to keep a close watch on the prices of eatables as well as their quality and supply. He said the wheat quota for flour mills has been increased for the availability of abundant quantity of flour in the market and the deputy commissioners should keep the food department informed about the demand of their districts.

The Chief Secretary said there would be no shortage of food items, especially flour and sugar, in the market. He said as soon as imported sugar is available, its supply to the Sahulat bazaars and market would immediately begin. He mentioned that the number of Sahulat bazaars is being increased to provide maximum relief to the common man.

These bazaars are not only providing consumers with daily-use items at discounted rates but also helping to reduce the prices in the open market.

The meeting was attended by the additional chief secretary (South Punjab), secretary food, the heads of Urban Unit, and PITB, commissioner Lahore, director food Punjab, and special secretary agriculture marketing. The divisional commissioners, RPOs, deputy commissioners, and DPOs participated via video link.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020