ISLAMABAD: The rise of potatoes and tomatoes prices despite zero duty on their import to establish affordability in the holy month has raised brows of the Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.
During a meeting on National Price Monitoring Committee, Dar directed Ministry of Food Security and Research to look into the matter as to why there is increasing trend and suggesting remedial measures, having consultation with the provincial government to address this issue.
He said that government has allowed zero duty on import of potatoes to break the commodity cartel. The Minister further emphasised on research in the cropping pattern of the pulses so that its prices also remain under control and in this connection directed Ministry of Food Security and Research to expedite inter cropping plan in consultation with provinces.