By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: The Punjab government has intensified its crackdown on overpricing and black marketing of agricultural inputs, particularly maize seeds, as part of a zero-tolerance enforcement campaign.
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Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani said the Agriculture Department is implementing strict measures against artificial shortages and illegal sales. Acting on special directives, authorities have launched province-wide operations against dealers involved in hoarding and selling inputs at inflated prices.
Chairing a high-level meeting on artificial shortages and black marketing of maize seeds, the minister warned that prices exceeding officially notified rates would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He said dealers found involved in black marketing would face licence cancellations, while those charging excess amounts would face criminal cases and shop sealing.
Officials have also been directed to ensure that officially notified prices are prominently displayed at public and commercial locations to ensure transparency for farmers.
Meanwhile, Secretary Agriculture Iftikhar Ali Sahoo instructed seed companies to provide complete lists of registered dealers. Field officers have been directed to conduct daily raids and submit regular enforcement reports.
Representatives of international seed companies and senior officials from the Agriculture Department attended the meeting.
