LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has assured the delegation of cultivators that their problems will be resolved on priority basis, according to a press release issued here on Tuesday.
The delegation led by Pakistan Kissan Ittehad president Khalid Mehmood Khokhar met the chief minister at the Chief Minister’s Office, where the negotiations between the provincial government and the farmers’ representatives have been successful.
The chief minister said that he has taken notice of complaints regarding gunny bags and is getting the matter investigated. He said that action will be taken against the guilty persons. He also said that he had also talked to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif before his departure for London about the problems of cultivators.
He mentioned that the Punjab government has given a package of Rs 100 billion for the welfare of farmers and development of agriculture sector which will be implemented in two years. He said that implementation of this package will result in prosperity of farmers and uplifting of agriculture sector.
The chief minister said that there is a need to make extension and research wing of Agriculture Department more active. He added that collective efforts are needed to enable farmers stand on their feet and short, medium and long term measures are required for this purpose. He said that the interest of farmers will be protected at any cost.
He said that recommendations regarding Agri Package will soon be finalized and announced, and it will also be adjusted in the budget. CM Shehbaz also constituted a committee headed by Chief Secretary for resolving the issue of electricity bills. With the help of representatives of farmers, the committee will formulate a procedure regard the solution of the problem of electricity bills. In response to the demand of the cultivators, CM Shehbaz directed Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) and Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) not to disconnect connections till May 30 and receive only the current bill. Khalid said that he has full confidence in the leadership of the chief minister as he fulfills his promises.
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