started before April 15, 2014 and it reached the figure of 63,611 ton by mid of the month. Procurement of wheat started on April 21 with purchase of 2,132 tons. By April 29, 2014, distribution of gunny bags among farmers reached the figure of 728,600 tons while procurement stood at 298,161 tons of wheat. Mismanagement and delaying tactics by the department led to protest by farmers in Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan districts. Farmers protested in Nurpur Oranga and Dera Bhakha in Bahawalpur. They blamed officials of Food Department and Revenue Department for not distributing gunny bags as per official lists. They accused them of favoring blue-eyed persons in distribution process. Farmers also blocked Hasilpur Road during their protest Wednesday.
Similar case of non-friendly attitude of staff concerned at Shadan Lund in Dera Ghazi Khan has been reported. Despite announcement to start distribution of gunny bags from April 25, the staff concerned could initiate campaign on April 29, 2015. Local farmers blamed that staff of Revenue Department wrongly added names of several people in the distribution list. They boycotted the procurement campaign in protest. When contacted, Dr Pervaiz Khan, Secretary Food Punjab admitted delay in buying and some mismanagement. However, he said, abnormal weather conditions were solely responsible for delay in start of procurement campaign.
We have made all arrangements and launching of campaign was done by the respective district authorities while keeping in view quantum of wheat arrival, he said and added wheat procurement drive has been initiative in the province from April 29 except Gujranwala district.
Regarding complaints of distribution of gunny bags to favourites, he said, the Revenue Department is responsible for giving details of farmers and staff of Food Department has nothing to do with it. He assured that wheat procurement campaign was being expanded aggressively and government would remain in the market till the procurement of last grain from the growers.