Wheat purchase target may be further increased: Rana Tanveer

FAISALABAD: Federal Minister for Industries, Production and National Food Security & Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has said that the target of wheat purchase may be further increased to ensure a fair price to growers. He said the government is sincere about facilitating wheat growers to the maximum extent.

During his visit to PASSCO Center, Nia Lahore Jhang Road, Tehsil Gojra, near here on Saturday, Tanveer said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had taken a strict notice of unavailability of Bardana (gunny bags) to the growers despite clear instructions of the government to start a purchase drive. He assured that each and every grain of wheat would be lifted and interest of the farmers would be fully safeguarded.

The minister said that Pakistan Agricultural Storage & Services Corporation Limited (PASSCO) had been directed to adopt a comprehensive strategy to purchase the maximum wheat from the growers in a free, fair and transparent manner. In this connection, PASSCO has so far received 88,000 applications out of which 1,500 applications were verified and the company had started the procurement process. He said that PASSCO had established its procurement centers in 13 tehsils across Punjab where necessary facilities were provided for wheat growers and their apprehensions would be removed.

The minister said that Pakistan had witnessed a bumper wheat crop this year despite harsh weather and climate change. “We are hopeful that the current crop would not only cater to the domestic food requirements but we may also export its surplus,” he added.

Tanveer said the government had also decided to provide fertilizer at cheaper rates so that farmers could meet crop expenditures easily.

The minister also visited various sections of the PASSCO Center and directed the staff to deal with the growers politely and purchase their wheat produce under free, fair and transparent manner and no negligence or embezzlement would be tolerated. PASSCO Managing Director Emad Nazir Ahmad briefed the minister about wheat procurement and said that PASSCO was issuing Bardana (bags) after registering growers from 9am to 5pm daily. He said that Bardana of 8 bags was issued for one acre and one farmer could obtain maximum 100 bags. Bardana is being issued on a “first come, first served” basis after verification of registration and revenue record. He said that growers could get Bardana after depositing Rs530 per bag as security through pay order, demand draft and call deposit while the center would charge Rs40 from the growers as delivery charges per bag of 100 kg weight. All these instructions were displayed at conspicuous places at all procurement centers of the PASSCO whereas the growers could also contact PASSCO toll free number 0800-72772, Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), Zonal Head, Project Manager or Center In-charge for more guidance, he added.