HAFIZABAD-The wheat crop has started pouring into the grain markets of Hafizabad, Pindi Bhattian, Jalalpur Bhattian, Kaleke Mandi and Sukheke Mandi.
According to a survey report, it is allegedly being purchased by the middlemen at Rs1,100 to 1,150 per 40kg against support price of Rs1,300 as the government has not yet started procurement of wheat. The procurement of the wheat by Passco will start from April 20.
According to growers, yield per acre was increased due to better climate conditions and use of better seeds. Meanwhile, Pakistan Kissan Board Vice President Amanullah Chattha called upon the Passco authorities to ensure immediate procurement of wheat from the growers to save them from the middlemen.
NABBED
A bank manger, Awais and his two friends were arrested on charge of misappropriating Rs158,000. According to a police source, the manager of a private bank (MCB Kaleke Mandi branch) had earlier lodged an FIR with the police that he along with his two friends - Naeem and Sarmad - was on the way to the main branch of MCB Bank in Hafizabad district for depositing cash. Near Kot Mian, some bandits intercepted him and snatched the amount. During investigation, it was found that the manager had staged a drama to embezzle the amount.