Staff Reporter
Islamabad
Prime Minister Imran Khan says development of the agricultural sector is the top priority of the government as prosperity of the country is linked with it.
He was chairing a meeting in Islamabad on Monday on the proposal to provide subsidy on tube wells in the agricultural sector.
The Prime Minister directed to formulate a strategy by involving provinces in the consultation on the proposal to subsidize electricity rates for tube wells for the development of the agricultural sector and especially to provide relief to small farmers.
Minister for National Food Security Syed Fakhar Imam, Minister for Energy Omar Ayub, Finance Advisor Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh and senior officials were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research with its counterpart provincial departments during meeting here on Monday decided that Wheat Release Policy will be shaped by provinces at the earliest.
The meeting was headed by Omar Hamid Khan, Secretary National Food Security. In line with decision of ECC meeting, provinces will make wheat release policy urgently. Punjab Food Department made it clear that Punjab will whittle its Wheat Release Policy till Tuesday. While Sindh Food Department will make their Wheat Release Policy in next ten days.
The import of wheat in the country by the private sector by obliterating duties and taxes was also discussed in the meeting. In acquiescence of decision of the ECC, PASSCO and KP government have signed MoU on 23-06-2020 for releasing 100,000 tons of wheat from PASSCO to KP.
Monitoring Committee on wheat import has so far, issued import permit to 70 importers for a quantity of 355950 tons to be imported into the country.
Provinces are also directed to ensure free movement of wheat across the border. It is predictable that immediate steps taken by the Government will not only ensure demand and supply of wheat within the country but also to address the recent pricing trend and to daunt hoarders and wheat smuggling from the port of exit, specially to Afghanistan.
