Minister for Agriculture Dr Farrukh Javed has said that government has constituted high-powered committees at divisional level to address grievances under Kissan Package. He said that committees will consider all applications submitted till February 29 and will complete its task by March 10 positively. The minister in his statement said that government will ensure fare distribution of each rupee announced in Kissan Package. He said that due to some complaints in particular district we have constituted these committees and strict action would be taken against responsible in the light of committees’ decision.
Javed said that no negligence will be tolerated in dispensing justice to farming community. He said that the government is working on the policy to modernise Agriculture Department. “We have taken suggestions from all the stakeholders for finalising the future strategy,” he added. The minister said that Punjab is self-sufficient in terms of food production and we are looking for ways to increase per acre yield with the use of modern technology. More than 10,000 metric tonnes of potatoes have been exported to Russia, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka during the current season, he added. He said that the department is working on supply chain project to introduce local products in international markets.
He said that prices in local markets have stabilised due to timely export of potatoes. He said that we are in contact with Afghanistan to remove its import duty in potato import after which Pakistani potatoes will be available in Afghanistan’s markets. He said the government is sending millions of rupees on providing modern tools to farmers for better yields. Dr Farrukh Javed urged the farmers to submit their complaints regarding Kissan package in respective offices of Assistant Commissioner, District Coordination offices or Commissioner Office before February 29 so that their complaints be addressed.