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LAHORE, Dec 17 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday presided over a meeting to review comprehensive measures for modernisation of Punjab’s 188 fruit and vegetable markets, including enhanced cleanliness standards, installation of street lights, functional toilets, auction sheds, transparent auction mechanisms, waste-to-value initiatives and promotion of off-season vegetable cultivation.
During the meeting, officials briefed the chief minister that help desks, online monitoring through the Safe City Authority, street lighting, improved cleanliness arrangements and fully functional toilets were being ensured in all 188 modern vegetable markets across the province. To curb fraudulent practices, direct auction systems have been introduced and auction sheds established in all markets, they added.
The meeting was informed that all water filtration plants in the markets had been restored to provide clean drinking water to buyers and commission agents. A new cleanliness framework, deployment of dedicated staff and an organized waste collection system are also being implemented, while hygienic toilets have been made fully operational in all modern markets.
The meeting was apprised that help desks for buyers have been set up and rate boards prominently displayed in every market. More than 266,000 street lights have been made operational, significantly improving safety and visibility. Under the ‘Waste-to-Value’ initiative, green waste from markets will be utilized for biogas production and poultry feed.
The chief minister was also briefed that drainage systems in all markets had been restored and manhole covers installed. For the first time in Punjab, a ‘Tracking on Wheels’ system has been introduced to maintain real-time records of the supply and demand of fruits and vegetables. Under this system, every truck transporting fruits and vegetables into Punjab has been linked with the Safe City Authority for monitoring.
The meeting was informed that new modern vegetable markets will be established in Pakpattan, Kasur, Sahiwal, Mian Channu, Sheikhupura and Mandi Bahauddin. To ensure affordable fruits and vegetables for residents and tourists in Murree, a dedicated supply chain will be developed to provide edibles at wholesale rates.
CM Maryam Nawaz directed all relevant stakeholders to adopt modern farming techniques to ensure the availability of off-season vegetables. She ordered immediate action against price control magistrates found deceiving the public, directing that such officials be dismissed from service and sent to jail. She also approved the recruitment of secretaries in market committees strictly on merit through the Public Service Commission.
The chief minister appreciated Minister for Agriculture Ashiq Kirmani, Special Assistant Salma Butt, Director General Food Amjad Hafeez and their entire team for their commendable efforts.
CM Maryam Nawaz said that mafia culture had been eliminated in Punjab and no mafia would be allowed to operate or flourish. She reiterated the Punjab government’s commitment to providing subsidized ‘roti’ and flour to the public under all circumstances. She further announced that she would personally conduct surprise visits to fruit and vegetable markets and noted that the development initiatives underway in Punjab were setting benchmarks that other provinces were compelled to follow.