Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a committee under the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to address the issues faced by farmers in selling their wheat and obtaining wheat bags.
The committee, established on the Prime Minister's orders, has been directed to resolve the farmers’ concerns within four days.
Chairing an emergency meeting in Lahore, Sharif reviewed the wheat procurement process through PASSCO, expressing concern over the difficulties faced by farmers in obtaining fair prices for their wheat crop.
He directed authorities to take immediate action to resolve the issue, ensuring that farmers receive their due payments on time.
The federal government, through PASSCO, aims to procure 1.8 million metric tons of wheat, maximizing benefits to farmers.
The premier emphasized the importance of protecting farmers' economic interests, directing officials to personally monitor the wheat procurement process and ensure timely payments.
With a bumper wheat crop this year, the Prime Minister commended the efforts of farmers, reiterating the government's commitment to their well-being.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Attaullah Tarar, and relevant officials, who were briefed on the progress made so far in the wheat procurement process.
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No concession in wheat import scandal
Earlier today, PM Shehbaz held an important meeting with head of the investigation committee probing wheat scandal, Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal and emphasized that no concession will be made to anyone involved in exploiting farmers and that economic security of farmers is non-negotiable.
The premier also directed the committee chief, Kamran Ali Afzal, to submit a report within 44 hours, and ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the names of those responsible for the wheat scandal, without any discrimination. He underscored the importance of identifying and holding accountable all responsible parties involved in the scandal, leaving no room for secrecy or leniency.
The prime minister instructed the team lead to review available records and documents and provide recommendations based on the findings. Additionally, he directed the secretary to submit the final report by Monday.
"No concessions will be made to anyone involved," reiterated Sharif, emphasizing the need for clear identification of responsible individuals and urging them to cooperate fully with the investigation.
Farmers in double jeopardy
Meanwhile, the delay in wheat procurement has exacerbated the plight of local farmers across Punjab, especially in Rajanpur. The farmers, who had invested in expensive fertilizers for wheat cultivation, now say that they are unable to sell their produce to the government due to procurement delays.
They also say that with crops exposed to the rains under the open sky, farmers are being forced to sell wheat at extremely low prices, adding to their financial burden.
Also Read: Farmers suffer as Punjab government delays wheat procurement
"If the government fails to purchase wheat this year, farmers will not cultivate wheat next year," warned farmers in Rajanpur.
The Punjab government has failed to devise a definitive procedure regarding the wheat procurement policy from farmers, as a recent PML-N gathering at its central secretariat in Lahore couldn't decide to provide relief to the farmers.
Despite a bumper wheat crop, farmers and growers across Punjab, from southern districts to central tehsils up to northern Punjab areas, remain concerned about the wheat purchase policy. The Punjab government fixed the rate at Rs3,900 per maund (100kg), but farmers have not received the gunny bags (bardana), nor has the government initiated wheat procurement.
For the past few weeks, farmers have been selling their hard-earned wheat crop in the market at lower prices.
