Punjab CM approves fruit, vegetable dehydration project

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday approved a dehydration project under PAMRA to ensure the availability of off-season fruits and vegetables, besides directing authorities to strengthen price monitoring and take effective measures to control the prices of essential commodities across the province. Chairing a meeting attended by commissioners and deputy commissioners through video link, the chief minister reviewed price fluctuations and measures to ensure market stability. The meeting was informed that prices of 10 essential commodities had shown a downward trend, while most food items, including pulses, remained stable. The meeting decided to ban the sale of 20kg flour bags across Punjab, allowing only 10kg bags in the market. The chief minister ordered strict monitoring of inter-provincial borders to prevent wheat and flour smuggling and directed deputy commissioners to achieve wheat cultivation targets in their respective districts. She also ordered wheat cultivation on all government-owned land and land covered under the Numberdar, Ghori Pal and Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar schemes. The meeting approved the introduction of the 'Transforming Market Waste into Wealth' initiative for the first time in Punjab. The chief minister also reviewed progress on Punjab's first Mandi Mart project for fruits and vegetables in Kahna and directed its early completion, along with measures to establish similar facilities across the province. In view of Ramazan requirements, Maryam Nawaz directed deputy commissioners to ensure adequate stocks of bananas, apples and dates in cold storage facilities to maintain their availability at controlled prices during the holy month. She also instructed the authorities to regulate the sale of loose milk in accordance with hygiene and food safety standards. A comparative review of prices of 15 essential commodities, including vegetables, pulses and other food items, was presented during the meeting. The chief minister was informed that prices of 10 commodities had declined, while most other prices remained stable. The meeting was further informed that the Price App will be upgraded to strengthen market monitoring and maintain price stability across Punjab. Separately, Maryam Nawaz Sharif paid rich tribute to four police personnel, including DSP Imranuddin, who embraced martyrdom during an encounter with terrorists in Karak. The chief minister expressed deep grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of DSP Imranuddin, SHO Afzal Awan and police personnel Amjad Ali and Kazim. She extended heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families of the martyrs.