The Punjab government has allocated Rs 41 billion for the procurement of 3.5 million tons of wheat from growers on cash payment during the current harvesting season. In an interview with APP here on Monday, Punjab Food Secretary Shahid Hussain Raja said the food department has launched wheat procurement drive from April 1, which will continue till the purchase of last wheat grain from growers at the support price of Rs 400 per 40 kilograms.
He said in all 447 purchase centres have been established throughout the province. Their number can be increased, if needed. The federal government has fixed the wheat procurement target of 3.5 million tons from Punjab. The procurement of wheat will start daily from 7 am to 7 pm without any break even on holidays, he added.
He said the food department and Passco will procure wheat in their respective area as they did during last year.
He said that gunny bags are being distributed among growers on personal surety from any gazetted officers or 'Lamberdar' while bags over 100 will be provided against call deposit. He said traders will get the bags only through call deposit and not on personal surety.
Raja said a four-member committee comprising representatives of MPAs of the area, the district government, farmers, and Lambardar concerned have been constituted for each centre to monitor the procurement drive.
According to the Punjab agriculture department, 15.69 million acres more land was brought under wheat cultivation.
The department also got samples from all the districts to assess the crop size which promises a bumper crop this year.
Regarding inspection of centres, he said that only ministers, advisors, and members of the Chief Minister Inspection Team will carry out the same.
Shahid Hussain Raja said that cash rewards will be given to officers/officials of the provincial food department for their performance in procurement drive.
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