PM approves Rs 8,500 per 40kg as cotton support price
LAHORE
Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that around 15.8 million households of Punjab province would be distributed wheat flour free of charge during the Holy Ramazan.
The prime minister, who chaired a chaired a meeting to review the free distribution of flour under Ramazan Package, said it was for the first time in country’s history that a package for distribution of free wheat flour had been prepared. He said the wheat flour would be distributed from 25th of Sha’ban to 25th of Ramazan through 8,500 Utility Stores. Moreover, another 20,000 flour distribution points would also be set up to facilitate the people.
The prime minister directed the authorities concerned to ensure transparency in the distribution of free flour among the poor and instructed to use modern technology to curb theft during the process. Moreover, he said no compromise would be made on the quality of flour. He said the people would be able to check their eligibility for the free wheat flour through an SMS.
The prime minister said the federal government would also assist the other provinces for such a program. The representative of the Punjab government gave a detailed briefing to the prime minister on the free flour distribution program during the Holy Ramazan.
Cotton support price
In a major step to facilitate the cotton farmers, Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Shehbaz Sharif on Monday approved Rs 8,500 per 40 kilogram as the support price of the commodity.
The prime minister directed to present the matter to the Economic Coordination Committee on priority. Chairing a meeting of the Agriculture Task Force, the prime minister urged the provinces to ensure the implementation of cotton price.
He termed cotton as the backbone of the country’s textile sector and expressed confidence that the step would support the farmers. Highlighting the importance of cotton in earning foreign exchange, PM Sharif said the government would extend every possible assistance to the provinces in this regard.
He mentioned that steps were being taken to boost per acre produce of cotton and directed the Ministry of National Food Security to finalize requisite proposals. The meeting was informed that last year, the cotton produce faced exponential reduction due to floods, heavy rains, shortage of canal irrigation water, and the crisis of fertilizer.
This year, the overall cotton production has been estimated at 12.77 million bales, which is expected to witness significant growth as a result of the policies of the government. The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ishaq Dar, Syed Naveed Qamar, Tariq Bashir Cheema, Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Adviser to PM Ahad Cheema, and relevant officials.
