The Punjab government has decided to enforce the ban on wheat in feed mills for 30 days – until October 3 – to increase the supply for human consumption. The Punjab Home Secretary introduced this restriction in accordance with section 144 (2). 6, in the criminal case code 1898.
“The use of wheat in feed production of the feed mills in the province of Punjab is prohibited in the greater public interest,” provincial home secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman.
Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure allows district administration to issue orders in public interest that may impose a prohibition on an activity for a specified period of time. Such a ban is enforced by the police who register cases against violations. Punishment can carry a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and/or fine.
With Punjab, now entering his third week of flooding, thousands of hectares of crops have been destroyed and food prices are expected to rise across the country.
According to the order issued by the home secretary, wheat will only be used in flour mills for the production of flour. The government has taken this step in light of fear of a possible lack of wheat in the province.
Feed factories in Punjab are currently housing 104,184 tons of wheat. According to a report from the Secretary of Prrice control, Feed Mills used wheat for poultry feed.
The message issued by the home department says the ban will remain in force until October 3rd.
The order has been published using Offical Gazette, newspapers and media to increase public attention, spokesman for Punjab’s home department said.
