ISLAMABAD, April 27: The government on Friday directed the ministry of food and agriculture to ensure that farmers got wheat price of Rs425 per 40kg bag and to streamline the process of procurement.

The directive came after a meeting presided over by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

According to a handout, the meeting was informed that there had been a significant increase in the productivity of the agriculture sector and record Rabi crops were expected this year. Steps for increasing agricultural production also came under discussion.

The meeting was informed that the Pakistan Agriculture Services and Storage Corporation and the provincial food departments had begun purchasing wheat and bags.