Lahore: In a strategic move to ensure the stability and transparency of flour prices, the Punjab Food Department announced the launch of an online portal for monitoring flour prices across all districts. This initiative was unveiled during a critical meeting chaired by Ehsan Bhutta, Secretary Industries and Food Punjab. The meeting also addressed the current status and safety of wheat stocks, particularly in light of the recent monsoon rains.

According to Punjab Food Department, the meeting provided a platform for detailed discussions on the health of wheat reserves stored in both government and private facilities. The session underscored the imperative of safeguarding these stocks against potential damages during the monsoon season through meticulous stock protection and fumigation measures.

Secretary Bhutta emphasized that the protection of wheat stock remains a top priority for the administration, asserting a zero-tolerance stance on any form of administrative or security lapses. He mandated that officers ensure robust arrangements, highlighting that wheat protection centers could undergo inspections at any moment to enforce standards rigorously.

Furthermore, the deployment of Price Control Magistrates will facilitate the sharing of geo-tagged images of all relevant locations, enhancing the oversight capabilities of the authorities. The Food Controller has been tasked with overseeing the pricing and quality control of all flour brands within the districts. Key attendees of the meeting included Director Food Punjab Shoaib Jadon, Additional Secretary Technical Noman Hafeez, Deputy Secretary Food Faisal Abbas, among others.

This proactive approach by the Punjab Food Department aims to streamline the monitoring processes and maintain the affordability and quality of flour, ensuring it remains accessible for the populace amidst fluctuating market conditions.