Punjab Food Minister Bilal Yasin inaugurated the wheat procurement drive on Monday. The minister while addressing a press conference held at Multan Circuit House has said the government would procure four million metric ton of wheat this year and it would spend Rs 130 billion on procurement. He said that payment of wheat is being made on the spot so that they could purchase seed for cotton.
The minister said small growers of less than 12 acres are being entertained with bardana from Monday for five days in all districts without any political prejudices. Yasin further said more than 41,000 peasants in Multan division are being provided with bardana and procurement of wheat at Rs 1300 per 40-kilogram. The bardana would continue to supply to wheat growers until May 15, ensuring stable wheat prices in the market, he mentioned.
The minister said sixteen wheat procurement centres have been established in Multan district while five centres in Lodhran, 16 in Vehari and 14 in Khanewal district where tents would provide shadow to peasants and cold water serve to them. Fifty percent bardana would be distributed in the first ten days of wheat procurement drive and the rest of 30pc bardana distributed in ten days. The concerned DCOs and director food would monitor bardana distribution.
He clearly said small growers would be provided relief under the strict instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. He said wheat growers' lists were prepared in a transparent way. Punjab Food Secretary Pervez Ahmed, Multan Director Food Asif Bilal Lodhi were also present on the occasion.