LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced a series of measures to manage essential food supplies, regulate commodity prices and boost agricultural production, including a decision to discontinue 20-kilogram flour bags and make 10-kilogram packs the standard option in market.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has instructed authorities to tighten surveillance along provincial borders to prevent the unauthorised movement of wheat and flour.
She also directed deputy commissioners to meet district-level wheat sowing targets and ensure cultivation on government-owned land. Areas covered by the Numberdar system, the Ghori Pal scheme and the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” initiative will also be used for wheat farming under the new instructions.
To prepare for Ramazan, the chief minister ordered district administrations to arrange sufficient supplies of bananas, apples and dates and ensure their sale at regulated prices.
Stocking arrangements are to be planned according to local requirements and available cold storage facilities.
Officials briefed the meeting on price comparisons covering 15 essential commodities, including pulses and vegetables.
The meeting also approved a new initiative titled “Transforming Market Waste into Wealth”, aimed at putting market waste to productive use. A separate dehydration project under PAMRA received approval to support the supply of fruits and vegetables outside their usual seasons.
Maryam Nawaz further directed officials to speed up construction of the province’s first Mandi Mart for fruit and vegetable trading in Kahna. Authorities were also asked to plan similar facilities in other parts of Punjab.
