DC stresses priority for small farmers in wheat procurement drive

SARGODHA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Apr, 2026) Deputy Commissioner Sargodha Hussain Ahmad Raza Chaudhry on Thursday directed officials to ensure priority treatment for small farmers during the ongoing wheat procurement campaign in the district.

He issued these instructions while chairing a meeting on wheat procurement here at his office, attended by Deputy Director food Mazhar Baloch, the District Food Controller, farmers’ representative Abdullah Warraich, and representatives of Green Agriculture Mall, LGC Company, and other relevant departments.

Addressing the meeting, the DC said the wheat procurement drive is underway in line with government directives, stressing that small-scale farmers must be facilitated on a priority basis to ensure timely relief.

He stressed that transparency and merit must be maintained throughout the procurement process.

The officials briefed the meeting that a target of procuring 733,000 wheat bags (100-kg each) has been set for the first phase. For this purpose, procurement centers have been established at Sargodha-II, Essanwala, and Shahpur, where wheat purchasing is currently in progress.

The meeting was further informed that, in accordance with the directives of the Chief Minister Punjab, the distribution of free gunny bags (bardana) to farmers is ongoing. So far, more than 1,500 farmers have completed registration. Under the policy, 10 bags per acre are being provided to facilitate growers.

Chaudhry directed the officers concerned to promptly address issues faced by farmers and ensure the availability of all necessary facilities at procurement centers to make the wheat procurement campaign successful.