ISLAMABAD, Jan 23: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has directed the Ministry of Industries to ensure timely provision of fertiliser to farmers across the country.

He was talking to the Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo, who called on him on Friday.

Wattoo informed the premier that some 250,000 tons of imported urea unloaded at Gwadar port now being distributed through the outlets of NFC and Utility Stores across the country in coordination with the provincial governments.

The prime minister said the government was giving serious attention to wheat crop and had fixed support price at Rs950 per 40 kg and already provided Rs27 billion subsidy to ensure timely provision of DAP. The prime minister said the government was taking all steps for the development and promotion of agriculture sector to increase the incomes of farming community.

Mr Wattoo apprised the premier of his visits to the Karachi, Peshawar, Multan and Lahore chambers of commerce and industry and conveyed their concerns relating to trade and industry.