FAISALABAD, May 13: The local food department is facing problems in achieving the wheat procurement target as it has met only 59.84 percent of the target in Faisalabad, Jhang and Toba Tek Singh districts.

According to details gathered by Dawn here on Thursday, the provincial food department had set a target of 500,000 tons for the three districts. It was observed that a number of agents of investors and flour millers were working in Jaranwala, Samundri, Jhang, Tandlianwala, Chiniot, Kamalia, Pirmahal and Toba Tek Singh tehsils. They were buying wheat from the growers by paying them better prices.

These agents had paid huge amounts to farmers before the commencement of the drive and now they were hoarding the crop at their godowns. It was learnt that unlicensed investors of some major districts had purchased wheat in huge quantity from growers and shifted it to other provinces before the imposition of ban.

According to officials, around 41,954 tons of wheat have so far been procured in Faisalabad district, out of 100,000 tons target. Likewise, some 60,422 tons of wheat has been procured in Toba Tek Singh and about 196,814 tons in Jhang against the target of 100,000 and 300,000 tons of wheat, respectively.

Insiders revealed that it would be impossible for the department to meet the target despite employing a number of tactics, including raids on mills and hoarders, and confiscation of vehicles carrying wheat bags. Officials are now acquiring the services of police for launching a grand operation.

TOBA TEK SINGH: The local food department claimed here on Thursday that six of its wheat procurement centres in Kamalia and Toba Tek Singh tehsils had achieved 62 per cent of the purchase target.