Sindh govt rejects flour lack among lockdown

Karachi: Sindh government on Friday denied reports of flour shortage in the province among lockdown due to increasing coronavirus companion and said that it has enough stocks possible to meet the agricultural needs, ARY NEWS published.

In a statement issued today, the provincial minister for Agriculture, Supply and Prices Ismail Rahu said that the Sindh government has directly confirmed the flour mills to buy directly from the store to ensure an unending supply of flour.

“The province has also started buying of corn to expose any shortage,” he said, adding that 5000 metric ton flour was provided to Karachi daily.

The flour mills are providing 50,000 bags of 20 kilograms in the city. In comparison, 20,000 kits of the same quantity are supplied to Saylani Trust for distribution, he said, adding that stringent performance would be taken against anyone hoarding or selling out flour bags on higher prices.

Ismail Rahu said that the province expects 3.8 million tonnes of wheat production in the following year, and the government would buy 37 percent of it at the price of Rs 1400 per 40 kilograms.

Read More: Karachi reports 11 new COVID-19 cases, bring Sindh’s tally to 440 

He said that although the purchasing period is suspended due to lockdown, however, they have managed the investment of 11.2 million plastic bags and 2.8 million other wallets to save wheat in the government godowns.

“We have already given results of purchasing to the communities and have also established 525 buying centers to facilitate the farmers,” the minister said, adding that they would manage strict monitoring of the entire process to facilitate small farmers.