DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Sept 7: The provincial agriculture secretary has ordered the suspension of services of Extra Assistant Director Agriculture, Mumtaz Ahmad, and four farm managers on the charges of corruption and malpractices.

According to sources, it was noticed that annual wheat yield on various agriculture farms run by the department itself was decreasing with every season.

The sources claimed every year a huge quantity of wheat was directly sent to the open market and only a minute quantity was brought on the official record.

These reports had invited the attention of the provincial government and all the five officers were asked to relinquish their charge instantly. A special inquiry team is expected from Islamabad to investigate the matter.

This team would submit its findings directly to the agriculture secretary of the NWFP after the completion of its enquiry.