Lahore - Cabinet Price Control Committee was informed on Tuesday that short supply of tomato from India has increased market price of this item and after April 15 the price would come down since the local crop of tomato would be available to the consumers.
The Committee, which met with Provincial Minister for Food Bilal Yasin in the chair, was told by the Secretary Agriculture that the supply of tomato from India was a major factor to cut down its market prices as such improved import of this commodity can largely help to bring price of tomato to an affordable level. He said during the current season tomato yield is not up to expectation as such waiver of 25 per cent import duty on Indian tomato can substantially help control price of this vegetable.
The Minister told the meeting that Punjab government is implementing a comprehensive policy to stabilize the prices of essential commodities under which district administration has been directed to take action against profiteers and hoarders. The minister has sought NGOs and media help to the government in stabilizing prices.
Secretary Food informed that there is 6 lakh 49 thousand tons stock of wheat and target of 3.5 million tons wheat procurement has been fixed this year which can be increased by 15 per cent. He said that policy has been evolved to ensure sale of Urea at Rs.1786 and action would be taken against profiteers and recommendation has been put forward to give subsidy on DAP Urea price.