ISLAMABAD: Expressing serious concern over the increase in input cost, the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research on Monday recommended that wheat support price may be fixed at Rs1800 per 40 kg.

The meeting which held here with Rao Muhammad Ajmal Khan, was briefed by the food departments of Punjab and Sindh on wheat procurement plan for the year 2021. Punjab government officials said that the target of 3.5 million tons of wheat procurement has been set by the government. Wheat procurement will be started from March 25. The chairman of the committee said that the rate of Rs 1650 per 40 kg is not justified and should be fixed at Rs 1800 per 40 kg.

PASSCO officials informed the committee that wheat procurement target is set at 1.25 million tones for 2021.

The Food Department Sindh informed the committee that the provincial cabinet has notified the support price of wheat for 2020-21 at Rs 2000/ 40 kg. Some members pointed out that the food centres are very long distances. The committee recommended that food department should establish six food centers in Rajanpur.

The Ministry of Industries and Production briefed the committee on fertilizer. The committee showed deep concern over the increase in urea and DAP prices.

The proposals for the development budget for the next financial year 2021-22 were discussed in the meeting. Secretary Food said that 5 new projects are proposed in the next financial year and 21 projects are underway.

The chairman and members of the committee not satisfied the project shown in the brief present before the committee. The briefing on PSDP proposals was adjourned till the next meeting which will be held on 25th march 2021.

The committee also examined the petition referred by Prime Minister’s Public Affairs and Grievances Wing regarding technical supplementary grant of Rs. 806.585 million for PARC on account of employees related expenses of pension and commutation.

Chairman PARC Dr Muhammad Azeem informed the committee that due to PARC there has been a variety of more than 900 crops, but there is no money available to pay pensions of PARC employees.

The Secretary Food said that they are not been even allow entering the Parliament and asked the committee to approve their budget. On which Food Security Minister Syed Fakhr Imam said that he would talk to the finance minister to give them some relief. Until the people do not get compensation, there will be no justice. The Chairman and members of the committee recommended that Ministry of Finance release the fund for the retired employees of PARC.

Syed Fakhr Imam said that cotton was not given the attention it deserved. We have to increase the production of cotton. Sugarcane is being produced in the country. On the other hand, it is being imported due to price. People buy and keep it for Rs. 2-3 billion and then play in the market.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021