RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: In order to provide maximum relief to the farmer and the poor, the new wheat procurement policy should be prepared and relieving the government of financial pressure and reducing the millers’ dependence on the government.

Chief Secretary Punjab Jawaad Rafique Malik said this while presiding over a meeting on the new wheat procurement policy at the Chief Secretary’s Camp Office.

The Chief Secretary constituted a committee to prepare the recommendations on ending financial pressures on the government in the procurement process, reducing millers’ reliance on the government, best economic return to farmers, direct subsidy to the poor people, control on prices, strategic reserves of wheat, and its inter-provincial transport and export.

The committee comprising secretaries of the departments of agriculture, food, planning and development and finance would formulate its recommendations within three days which will be submitted to the Prime Minister for final approval. The committee will also make suggestions on how to implement the new procurement policy.

He said new policy would benefit not only the farmers but also the poor. He said targeted subsidy would be given on wheat to provide relief to low-income people. Provincial Ministers Raja Basharat, Mian Aslam Iqbal and Noman Langrial presented their proposals on the occasion.

The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Raja Basharat, Mian Aslam Iqbal whereas Agriculture Minister Noman Ahmed Langrial participated through video link. The Senior Member Board of Revenue, secretaries of different departments including food, agriculture, and finance were also present on the occasion.