72 percent of wheat procurement target completed, claims minister

Punjab has achieved 72 percent of the 4.5 million tons of wheat procurement target set for the current year while 92 percent of 'baardana' (gunny bags) have been distributed among the farmers.

Food Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said this while replying to the questions of food department during the current session of Punjab Assembly. He said a coordinated policy has been implemented for the procurement of wheat in Punjab which has tried to bring direct benefits to common farmers. He also said that the government has ensured uninterrupted supply of "baardana" to the farmers all over the province. He said he himself is keeping an eye on wheat procurement drive and making on the spot checking of all the procedure and claimed no complaint has been received in this regard.

The Minister said that Punjab has set a target of purchasing 4.5 million metric tonnes of wheat which will be completed ahead of time. He said the Punjab government would also meet the wheat requirement of KPK by purchasing additional wheat while another 5 lakh metric tonnes is also under consideration for an extraordinary situation.

Aleem Khan assured that people of Punjab will not be facing the shortage of food grains. He claimed that the food department is fulfilling its responsibilities and all necessary steps are being taken to meet the requirements. He also answered various supplementary questions of the food department and informed the session about the steps taken by it for the betterment of this sector.