RAHIMYAR KHAN (February 10 2004): The Punjab government along with the private sector, would buy every grain of the incoming wheat crop on the fixed prices, said Minister of State for Food, Agriculture and Livestock Sikander Hayat Bosan on Monday.

"The Punjab government is committed to solve the problems faced by growers on top priority basis and is undertaking comprehensive planning in this regard," said the minister while talking to APP here.

The minister expressed his satisfaction over sugarcane buying by the sugar mills and its payment to the cultivators in the district.

"The growers should get better returns for their crop," said the minister, adding that the government wants to improve the financial condition of the farmers as this in turn would improve the agri-sector of the country.

The sugarcane growers of Pakistan will get their dues worth Rs 12 billion and the remaining payments in Sindh will soon be made while in Punjab the payment is almost completed, he said.

He said that after reviewing Sugar Control Act and making some amendments farmer-friendly laws would be made soon.

The minister explained that commercial banks under government's loan policy should also extend agri-loans like the Zarai Taraqqiati Bank so that the farmers don't feel cash-strapped.

He assured that the officials of the irrigation department have been directed to ensure that water reaches the tail end areas as well, besides saying that directives have already been issued for taking effective measures to curb fake pesticides.

Courtesy Business Recorder