LAHORE: The decision to increase the price of wheat in Punjab from Rs1,650 to Rs1,800 is a good omen for the farmers and full credit for it goes to Prime Minister Imran Khan who gave final approval for the increase, says Senior Food Minister Abdul Aleem Khan.

He said in order to increase the price of wheat in Punjab, detailed consultations were held with the stakeholders as per the instructions of the prime minister and keeping in view all the aspects, wheat price is being increased by Rs150 per maund so that the farmers can get maximum benefit. He said the Food Department was formulating a cohesive policy for the next year in collaboration with flour mills and it would be ensured that wheat and flour should be available in the market in large quantities.

Aleem Khan said that the initiative of importing wheat this year also proved to be very fruitful which helped in stabilising the prices of flour in the market and 20kg bag of flour was provided across the province at fixed rates. He said the best policy for prosperous farmers and consumers was the first priority of the present government for which the Food Department and officials concerned are working on a solid strategy and the government would continue taking more steps to provide relief to the common man.

The vision of the premier is to give maximum relief to farmers so that they prosper and get full reward for their hard work. The PTI government is strategising this vision of Imran Khan in all policies and their execution. The Punjab government is also setting up 309 Ramazan bazaars.

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2021