Punjab Government Allows Sale of Government Wheat to Other Provinces and Private Companies

Lahore:The Punjab government has granted permission for the sale of government wheat to other provinces, and private companies will also be allowed to purchase wheat from the Food Department. According to sources, a complete ban has been imposed on selling wheat to defaulting flour mills.

Previously, the Punjab government had developed a new policy for purchasing wheat from farmers, under which it was decided not to buy wheat at the government level this year. Instead, the proposal was made to sell wheat to private companies. Like the previous year, the government has decided not to buy wheat directly from farmers again this year.

Sources revealed that the Punjab Food Department will provide government warehouses to private companies for the storage of wheat. Following the announcement of this new policy, a wave of concern has spread among the Food Department officials. However, officials have stated that the move aims to make the wheat purchasing process more transparent and organized.

According to sources, the Punjab Food Department and the federal government have decided to shut down the PASSCO (Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation). Authorities have cited corruption complaints within the agency, stating that its existence can no longer be justified.

On the other hand, Khalid Baath, a leader of the Kisan Ittehad (Farmers Union), expressed concern over the government’s decision. He warned that if the government does not buy wheat directly from farmers, it will have severe consequences, leading to economic hardship for farmers.