Govt slammed over wheat procurement, policies for farmers

LAHORE: Opposition MPA Rana Shahbaz on a point of order in Punjab Assembly raised concerns over the Punjab government’s wheat procurement and support policies for farmers.

Speaking on recent announcements, Shahbaz criticised the provincial government for offering Rs20,000 per acre to farmers in flood-affected areas, calling the amount insufficient. “It is disappointing that Punjab is giving only Rs20,000 per acre,” he said, pointing out that in India, the equivalent amount would be Rs65,000.

He also highlighted the disparity in fertilizer prices. “If urea costs Rs600 in India, it is available at Rs4,500 in Pakistan. Pakistan remains the only country where fertilizer is sold in the black market,” he noted. Shahbaz further condemned recent actions by the PERA Force, alleging that they are raiding farmers’ homes and seizing wheat intended for personal consumption.