Wheat growers to take to the street against govt apathy
Pakistan
The Punjab government has decided to opt out of wheat purchase
- The farmers say the govt is not buying wheat even at reduced prices
- Children of the growers will be part of protest against exploitation
LAHORE (Dunya News) - Farmer associations in Punjab are gearing up to stage protests due to delay in purchase of wheat by the government.
All factions of the Kissan Ittehad, except the Khokhar group, have agreed to participate in the demonstrations to assert their rights. The Kissan Board has also confirmed its participation in the protest movement.
Pakistan Kissan Ittehad Chairman Khalid Hussain Bath announced plan to unveil the protest action plan tomorrow (Friday). He revealed that the protests would involve the closure of all highways, with even farmers' children participating.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that flour mills, seed mills, and feed mills have commenced purchasing wheat.
Flour mills have set a target of purchasing one million tons of wheat, while seed mills aim to purchase 0.6 million tons. This marks the first instance of the private sector engaging in wheat procurement, utilising the government's open policy.
The price of wheat with a moisture level below 10pc stands at Rs3,350, whereas wheat with a moisture level of 20pc is priced at Rs3,000.
Notably, the Punjab government remains steadfast in its decision to refrain from purchasing wheat with a 16pc moisture level.
However, there is speculation that the government may reconsider its stance depending on evolving circumstances.
