The provincial wheat procurement drive is facing sluggishness, attributed to the verification process in its new digital payment system, even as Provincial Minister for Food, Makhdoom Mehboob Zaman, issued stern warnings against corruption, hoarding, and farmer non-compliance.
During an important meeting held today under the chairmanship of the Provincial Minister, the Food Secretary briefed attendees, including all Divisional Commissioners and Food Department officials, on the progress. The Secretary acknowledged that the pace of procurement is relatively slow, explaining that this sluggishness is due to the cautious verification procedures involved in the digital payment system. Despite the current pace, the department aims to procure up to 500,000 bags of wheat.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Zaman emphasized that no corruption or malpractices would be tolerated throughout the entire procurement drive. He stressed that the government is committed to ensuring transparency at all stages, reinforced by the mandatory presence of district administration officials at every wheat procurement center.
The Provincial Minister further highlighted the government’s provision of subsidies and special facilities for Hari Card holders. However, he issued a clear warning: farmers who fail to supply their wheat to the government will be ineligible for future subsidies.
In an effort to prevent market manipulation, the Minister also warned that strict legal action would be taken against individuals found hoarding wheat.