Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday reviewed the fluctuation of prices of daily commodities in Lahore and ordered to ban 20kg wheat flour bags across the province, saying only 10-kilogram bags will be brought into the market.
Maryam issued the order while presiding over a special meeting in Lahore to review the prices of edible goods.
The special video-link meeting chaired by Maryam Nawaz was attended by commissioners and deputy commissioners. The meeting reviewed fluctuations in food prices, wheat cultivation, measures to prevent hoarding and arrangements to ensure the availability of essential items at reasonable prices during Ramadan.
A comparative review of the prices of 15 food items, including vegetables, pulses and other commodities, was presented to the chief minister.
The briefing said prices of 10 items had shown a continuous downward trend, with reductions of up to 252 percent recorded for some items, while the prices of most food items and pulses remained stable.
Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to strictly monitor interprovincial borders to prevent the smuggling of flour and wheat and instructed all districts to meet their wheat-sowing targets.
She ordered all deputy commissioners to meet the prescribed wheat-sowing targets in their respective districts and ensure wheat cultivation on government land. It was decided that wheat would be cultivated on all land allocated under the Numberdar, Ghori Pal and Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar schemes.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif also directed officials to ensure the availability of bananas, apples and dates at controlled prices during Ramadan. For this purpose, every deputy commissioner will ensure the storage and availability of these fruits according to local requirements at cold-storage facilities.
The meeting was informed that the price App would be upgraded to monitor and stabilise food prices.
The Punjab government has also decided to introduce Transforming Market Waste into Wealth for the first time in the province, while a dehydration project under PAMRA was approved to ensure the availability of off-season vegetables and fruits.
The meeting was informed that Punjab’s first Mandi Mart project for vegetables and fruits had been launched in Kahna, with a target set for its early completion. The chief minister also directed authorities to take measures to establish Mandi Marts across the province.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif ordered effective regulation and measures to ensure that loose milk is sold in accordance with hygiene standards.