PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet decided on Wednesday it would import 0.3 million metric tons of wheat through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP).

This is over and above the earlier procurement/import of 1.5 metric tons' of wheat.

The decision was taken during a meeting held here with Chief Minister Mahmood Khan in the chair. The cabinet also doubled the import with the sole aim to stabilize prices of flour and ensure uninterrupted supply of the commodity to the consumers at cheaper rates.

The cabinet as a landmark decision also approved launching of the Kissan Dost Programme in the province. Under the programme, wheat production target per annum will be increased from 1.1 to 1.6 million metric tons.

The farmers will be facilitated through provision of certified seeds, fertilizers etc. on subsidized rates for which the cabinet approved an initial grant of Rs397 million. The provincial cabinet also approved establishment of three new special purpose development authorities, namely, Kalash, Kumrat and Kalam Development Authorities.

For the promotion of tourism industry, the cabinet also decided to establish a hundred more camping pod at different tourist spots. To ensure holding of the next PSL matches in Peshawar, the cabinet approved an additional grant of Rs400 million for renovation and up-gradation of the Hayatabad Sports Complex.

The cabinet also approved amendments to PEDO Act to improve its performance and encourage private investment in the power sector.

The cabinet also decided to digitalize mines and minerals sector to ensure transparency in the grant of mineral titles.

The cabinet also approved keeping the censor board of motion pictures under the control of the provincial government to ensure quality production truly depicting the norms and culture of the province by taking into confidence the federal government.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020