LAHORE – The Punjab government has decided to discontinue 20-kilogram flour bags across the province and introduce 10-kilogram bags as the only option in the market.
The move is a part of measures to improve food supply management and curb the illegal transportation of wheat and flour.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered strict monitoring of interprovincial borders to curb smuggling.
She also directed deputy commissioners to achieve wheat cultivation targets in their respective districts and ensure that government-owned land is used for wheat production.
Under the directives, land covered by the Numberdar system, the Ghori Pal scheme and the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” programme will be brought under wheat cultivation.
The chief minister also instructed district administrations to ensure the availability of bananas, apples and dates at controlled prices during Ramazan.
Deputy commissioners will arrange adequate stocks of these fruits according to local demand and cold storage capacity.
During a meeting, officials presented a comparative price assessment of 15 essential food items, including vegetables, pulses and other commodities.
The meeting also approved the introduction of a “Transforming Market Waste into Wealth” initiative for the first time in Punjab. Additionally, a dehydration project under PAMRA was approved to improve the availability of seasonal produce during off-season periods.
Maryam Nawaz directed officials to expedite work on Punjab’s first Mandi Mart for vegetables and fruits in Kahna and take steps to establish similar facilities across the province.