ECC approves recommendations of Punjab Government on wheat import

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved the recommendations made by the Punjab Government on wheat import, following which the Federal Government has allowed to import 2.5 million metric tons of wheat to the private sector and if the private sector does not import wheat within a specified period, the Federal Government itself can import it.

This was stated by Senior Minister Punjab Abdul Aleem Khan while specially talking on wheat production, procurement and current situation, here today. Abdul Aleem Khan said that the decisions of ECC would be presented in the Punjab Cabinet and after the approval of the Federal Cabinet. This also includes approval by the Punjab Government to release wheat to the flour mills in the province. He said that after the confirmation of release of wheat by the Punjab Cabinet, they will immediately start giving wheat to the flour mills.

The Punjab Cabinet will also approve the release price of the wheat which will be determined for the flour mills. Senior Minister said. He added that as much wheat will be released to the flour mills the same quantity will be imported so that there will be plenty of wheat in the market and in stock remains available.

Senior Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said that the decision to import wheat has been taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan with the main objective of stabilizing prices of flour. He reiterated that wheat would be released only to those flour mills which remain functional all the year round and did not depend only on the quota released by the Government.

Abdul Aleem Khan also said that after the approval of the Punjab Cabinet the price will also be fixed which will be kept within the reach of common man. He said that no step will be avoided to stabilize the prices of wheat and flour in the market and if it is needed the Punjab Government would also provide subsidy however, this subsidy would be targeted and only for deserving people for which Utility Stores Corporation and data of Ehsaas Program will be utilized in this regard.

Chief Minister Punjab @UsmanAKBuzdar presided over a meeting at his office to review steps for stabilizing the prices of wheat and flour in the province. pic.twitter.com/uO9gpDlrda

— Reforming Punjab (@ReformingPunjab) June 23, 2020

Also Read: Ehsaas Panah, Langar mobile app to be launched soon