LAHORE: In an effort to ensure smooth supply of fruits and vegetables during Ramazan, both food and agriculture ministers have approached arhtis (commission agents in fruit and vegetable markets).

Food Minister Bilal Yasin and Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani visited Badami Bagh vegetable and fruit market on Wednesday. Lahore Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa and Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider also accompanied the ministers.

They monitored the onion auction process in the market to have first-hand knowledge of the activity. They also presided over a joint meeting of the market committee officials and representatives of arhtis and directed to increase the supply of vegetables and fruits in the market so that their prices could be brought down substantially.

The market committee office-bearers and arhtis assured the provincial ministers that the supply of onion, tomatoes and potatoes would be increased in the market within a day due to which the prices of these commodities would come down in the coming days.

Mr Yasin said that the prices of food items should be reduced by increasing their supplies and better management in the market.

Mr Kirmani said that all possible measures should be taken for the provision of quality and low-cost essential items to the people. He said that providing quality and low-cost essential goods to the citizens in Ramazan is the first priority of the government.

He said the government was taking other steps also to reduce the prices of fruits and vegetables and improving the supply of fruits as well as onions, tomatoes and potatoes in the market.

He said the market committee should keep a close eye on supply and demand factors with better management to ensure provision of relief to the people.

Later, Mr Kirmani visited Sabzazar Model Bazaar and checked the quality and prices of various food items on sale there.

Seeing long queues outside fair-price shops, he directed the administration to double these facilities as well as increasing the number of other stalls too.

Published in Dawn, March 14th, 2024