PM for long-term policy on supply, demand of essential goods

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan called for framing a long term policy on demand and supply of essential commodities, fixation of prices, reducing input costs of farmers and provision of conducive environment to them.

The prime minister gave these directions while chairing a meeting regarding fixation of the sugarcane price here at the Prime Minister Office. The prime minister also directed that the policy aimed at reducing input costs of the farmers should be framed on priority basis.

The forum decided to conduct audit of sugar cess fund to find out whether or not it was being collected.

Imran asked the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) to review the relevant laws and propose such amendments that ensure stability in the prices of essential commodities and discourage monopoly in the market. He stressed that latest technology should be used for this purpose.

On the fixation of sugarcane price, the prime minister emphasised that the price of the commodity should be fixed in such a manner, which not only encourage the growers but it was also accompanied by such measures that ensure the stability of sugar price in the market.

The premier said the government was giving special emphasis to the equal development of both agriculture and industrial sectors and provide relief to the masses.

The meeting decided to conduct the audit of sugar cess fund to determine whether it was being collected and used as per the policy and the law. It was also decided that the Punjab government would take all the requisite administrative steps to ensure stability in sugar price at the ex-mill and the retail level.

The meeting decided that the Punjab government would ensure that the growers get their outstanding amounts from the sugar mills. For this purpose, the Punjab government has also been directed to do necessary legislation that carries penalty on the sugar mill owners who do not ensure timely payment to the farmers.

The prime minister was informed that the Economic Coordination Committee had fixed the wheat price at Rs1365 per 40 kilogram. He was informed that this decision would bring prosperity in the lives of the wheat growers.