MUZAFFARABAD: Director Food Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Tariq refuted the impression prevailing in the state that the Food Department is involved in artificial hike in the prices of flour in AJK here on Tuesday.
He said that more than 0.5 million tons flour is the annual requirement of AJK. The food department has been providing more than 0.3 million tons flour. The remaining requirements were being fulfilled by local means, he added.
Sardar Tariq said that the production of flour in AJK is very low as compare to that of consumption. It is not possible to fulfil the flour requirement of whole state by the production of flour in Bhimber only. However, talks are underway with the department of agriculture to promote the production of flour at local level. The food department is committed for the provision of maximum relief to the masses, he further said.