'Wheat Procurement Policy 2011' approved

Punjab Cabinet on Saturday approved Wheat Procurement Policy 2011, under which a target of four million metric tons has been set for the year wherein procurement will start from April 20. Parks and Horticulture Authority Act 2010, Punjab Semen Quality Control Act 2010 and amendment in Punjab Entertainment Duty Act 1958 were also approved by the Cabinet meeting, which was chaired by Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, disclosed an official.
Addressing the cabinet meeting, the chief minister said excellent arrangements have been made this year for wheat procurement and due returns will be ensured to the farmers for their labour, adding that their exploitation will not be allowed. "375 procurement centres will be set up in the province for the purpose. Distribution of gunny bags will start from April 18 and wheat will not be purchased from the middleman," he said.
He directed concerned officials that maximum facilities should be provided to the cultivators at the procurement centres so that they do not face any difficulty. He further directed that equitable distribution of gunny bags should be ensured to benefit small cultivators.
Appreciating the efforts of Food Department for export of wheat, Shahbaz said that out of 1.2 million metric tons wheat exported from the country, 800,000 tons was exported from Punjab. He further said efforts for export of wheat should continue during the procurement drive and food, agriculture and industries departments should evolve an effective strategy with mutual consultation in this regard. Maximum silos should be built this year for the storage of wheat so as to check its wastage, he maintained.
The chief minister said concerned cabinet committee should hold negotiations with the standing committee of Punjab Assembly regarding Punjab Irrigation and Drainage Authority (Amendment) Bill 2008.
Referring to Parks and Horticulture Authority Act 2010, he said provision of a clean and healthy atmosphere to the people is the priority of Punjab government and authorities will be set up in Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan as well as all divisional headquarters on the pattern of Lahore. He directed that public parks police should be organised under these authorities for security purpose in the parks.
The CM and the cabinet appreciated services of PHA Director General Lahore, Abdul Jabbar Shaheen for the beautification of Lahore. According to him, provision of recreational facilities to the masses is of vital importance in the present age of stress and tension, and Punjab government is taking all possible measures in this regard. Exemption from entertainment duty given anywhere in the province will be continued while entertainment duty on chair-lift, which is the source of entertainment of the common man, is being completely withdrawn.
He directed Secretary Excise to send special teams to various places where chair-lifts are operating for ensuring implementation of this decision in the interest of the people. However, he said, rate of duty on horse race and fashion shows will be maintained.
The meeting gave approval to Semen Control Quality Act 2010, under which, besides others measures, a Livestock Breeding Control Unit will also be established. The meeting also gave approval to Punjab Livestock Breeding Act 2011 by changing the name of Punjab Semen Quality Control Act 2010 Earlier, Punjab Food Secretary Irfan Elahi gave a detailed briefing regarding wheat production and procurement drive as well as arrangements and financial resources for the purpose.
He said distribution of gunny bags among the farmers will be made on the basis of 'Gardawari' and 50 percent gunny bags will be distributed during the first 15 days; 30 percent during next 15 days and 20 percent in the remaining 15 days. Punjab Excise Secretary Khawaja Shamial and Punjab Livestock Secretary Captain Jehanzeb Khan 9 (Retd) gave detailed briefings regarding Entertainment Duty Act and Punjab Semen Quality Control Act 2010 respectively.