LAHORE, Nov 27: The government has succeeded in reducing the price of essential commodities by 10 per cent to 15 per cent during Ramazan and would try to maintain the patron even after the Eid.

This was claimed by Punjab Minister for Agriculture Khurshid Zaman Qureshi at a press conference here on Tuesday.

Subsidising flour price by Rs40 and Rs80 per maund was one of the proofs of government’s commitment to keep essential commodities within the reach of common man, he added.

In order to further facilitate farmers, the government planned to issue green pass to them. These passes would entitle them to directly sell their produce in the urban markets thus bypassing the middle man who usually made windfall profits. This would benefit both the seller and the buyer, he said.

Around 179 such passes have already been issued, he added.

The minister also claimed that model markets were being planned throughout the province to keep a vigilant eye on the prices of essential commodities. Where establishing a full market was not possible, a few shops would be selected to regulate the rest of the market, he said.