RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: To control the price of tomato, which is selling in the range of Rs 180, the Punjab government has allowed import of Iranian tomato.

While chairing a meeting of the price committee here on Tuesday, Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid said that the rains in Sindh and no supplies from northern areas and Afghanistan have affected the tomato production and thus it has disrupted the demand and supply of tomato in the entire country.

“It is normal to witness a spike in the price of tomato at this time of the year, but the availability of the Iranian tomato, which will be available this week, will bring down its prices significantly,” she added.

“All edibles and essential commodities are available at affordable prices at Sahulat Bazars and the people are visiting these bazaars in large numbers. The quality of edibles is assessed by the Punjab Food Authority. With further reduction in flour prices, a 20-kg bag is available at Rs 840. The quality and standard of flour is the same as the one available in the open market. The government has also decided to make available loose flour for customers requiring small quantities. The arrangements are monitored on daily basis and relief is being provided to people,” she added.