HYDERABAD, July 3: Wheat hoarders should declare their stocks and bring the same into market failing which strict action will be taken against them, warned the DCO Hyderabad, Ali Ahmed Lund.

Addressing the meeting regarding wheat procurement drive and supply of atta in the market, at Shahbaz Building here on Thursday, he expressed dissatisfaction over procurement drive launched by the District Food Management which can procure only 12,393 wheat bags against the target of 20,500 bags. He directed the management to adopt a strategy which should not create wheat shortage in the district in future.

He appointed a fact finding committee over fluctuation in flour price, to be headed by the EDO Revenue Syed Barkaat Rizvi with one member each from stakeholder organisations. He assigned the committee to asses the availability of wheat and prevailing prices of wheat flour in the market.

It will also prepare proposals and strategy for re-fixing prices of flour, including roti/tandoori naan and other essential commodities. He directed that in this exercise, merchant organisation should also be consulted.

He directed the committee to submit its report in detail within three days to complete the task within one week. He said it was the responsibility of Market Committee to get the government decision implemented in letter and sprit.

The DCO said the government was taking steps at provincial level to maintain supply of wheat as per demand to each district for curbing the practice of hoarding and its supply at reasonable rate.

District Audit Officer of Food Department Hyderabad, Salahuddin informed the meeting the District Food Management had failed to achieve procurement target due to difference of government and open market prices. Besides, three talukas of Hyderabad district comprised areas where no wheat was cultivated.

He claimed that at present there was no shortage of flour but price was high due to faulty market mechanism. He was optimistic that after lifting of ban on wheat movement, its demand/supply could be maintained and problems of wheat/flour resolved.

The EDO Revenue Syed Barkaat Rizvi, all the DDOs revenue, mukhtiarkar of the district and other officers of concerned departments were present in the meeting.