SAHIWAL: Rizwan Iqbal, provincial president of the Pakistan Kisan Ittehad (PKI), has strongly criticised the monopolisation of maize seed prices by two multinational companies operating in Punjab.

He accused these companies of exploiting maize growers during the sowing season by unilaterally setting exorbitant seed prices.

Maize seed is reportedly being sold for Rs20,000 to Rs25,000 per bag in the open market.Growers have held both the federal and provincial governments responsible for failing to establish a systematic and transparent mechanism to regulate seed prices.

Mr Rizwan said that the same seed was sold for Rs10,000 a few years ago, but prices have since doubled, while the open market price of maize crops has dropped from Rs3,500-4,000 to Rs2,000-3,000 per 40 kilogrammes.

Mr Rizwan highlighte d this disparity, saying, `The reason lies with multinational companies controlling inputs, whilethe crop belongs to farmers.

He accused two major companies of doubling their seed prices over the past five years, making them unaffordable for many growers.

He further claimed these companies sell seeds at much lower prices in neighbouring countries, where governments intervene to regulate seed costs.

The PKI president also alleged that one multinational company had appointed select dealers who sell seeds at inflated black-market prices.

`While the official rate isRs20,000, some dealers are selling it for Rs25,000-26,000,` he claimed. He criticised the Punjab government for actively regulating wheat prices while failing to address the maize seed price crisis.

Mr Rizwan demanded immediate government intervention, akin to practices in India, to rationalise seed prices.

He claimed that PKI had raised the issue with the Punjab chief secretary and the Federal Ministry of Industry and Trade, but both cited helplessness against multinational companies.`Why have TORs been developed that allow seed companies to monopolise rates?` he questioned, urging regulatory action.

ENCOUNTER: An outlaw was killed and two others escaped during a police encounter near Sandhay Khan village late last night.

According to reports, three armed dacoits had set up a picket at Jalad Chowk and looted valuables from passersby.

Acting on a tip-off, Malkan Hans police pursued the suspects and confronted them near Nahar Wala Mor.The dacoits opened fire, prompting retaliatory fire from the police.

One dacoit was killed, allegedly by the firing of his own accomplices, while the other two managed to nee under the cover of darkness.

The police recovered a stolen mobile phone, cash, and a CNIC from the deceased dacoit.

Officials stated that the man had been involved in multiple criminal cases in Pakpattan, Sahiwal, Depalpur, and Arifwala.

He was also accused of injuring a police officer during a recent robbery in Dipalpur.