LAHORE: The chief minister has sought a survey to estimate the production cost to fix new support prices of sugarcane and wheat.

At a meeting to review proposals to fix new support prices of sugarcane and wheat, he said the interests of sugarcane and wheat growers would be protected by the government. He said the farmers would be consulted and given full price of their hard work.

Mr Buzdar said the present government had ensured payment of more than 99.7 per cent of past dues to sugarcane growers. He said farmers would also be given subsidy and other incentives through credit card programme as the government was working for the promotion of agriculture sector as well as enhancing the income of the farmers.

He said the government would fulfil its commitment of change through new agriculture policy.

Provincial ministers Malik Nauman Langrial, Samiullah Chaudhry, Mian Aslam Iqbal, secretaries of finance, food and industries departments and others attended the meeting.

EXAM CENTRE: Chief Minister Usman Buzdar opened on Wednesday the new four-storey examination center of Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) in Johar Town and examined the security arrangements and other facilities being provided to the candidates.

The examination centre has been established on 10 kanals with Rs360 million. As many as 24 examination halls have been set up to accommodate around 5,000 candidates at one time.

The chief minister hoped the digital information system would help the candidates to seek necessary information. He said the same latest system should also be adopted in other departments.

He said the role of the PPSC was pivotal in bringing out talented candidates having a passion for public service. “Merit is the foundation of the new Pakistan and it will be promoted at every level,” he said.

PPSC Chairman retired Lt-Gen Maqsood Ahmad, PPSC members and others were present.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2019