By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: A four-member delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a subsidiary body of the United Nations, visited the Price Control Department. Secretary Price Control and Commodities Management, Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, briefed the delegation on the department’s functions.
It was mutually agreed between the FAO delegation and the department to align food security, quality, and storage policies in the province with international standards. The delegation stated that instead of wheat support prices, farmers would benefit more from a free market mechanism.
The Secretary requested technical assistance from the international organization for the grading of fruits and vegetables in the province. Dr. Ehsan Bhutta emphasized that selling fruits and vegetables in global and local markets based on grading criteria is a profitable practice.
He further stated that institutions like Food Security, Food Safety, Agriculture Marketing, Commodities Management, and the Consumer Protection Council have been integrated. The Government of Punjab has transformed the Price Control and Commodities Management Department into an expanded and integrated institution.The FAO delegation appreciated the department’s efforts to reform its operations on modern lines.
Officials from allied departments including the Additional Secretary (Admin), DG PAMRA, Food Directorate, and E&M also attended the meeting.
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