Minister for National Food Security and Research Chaudhry Tariq Bashir Cheema has said that incumbent government is taking effective steps to provide relief to the farmers.

Addressing a news conference in Bahawalpur on Saturday, he said that in current year, 27 million metric tons of wheat has been produced despite hardships.

He said that agriculture is the backbone of the national economy and effective measures are being taken to promote agriculture sector in southern Punjab.

The Minister said that free flour of worth billions of rupees has been distributed on merit among the needy during Ramadan.

He said that elections will be held at the same day as per the constitution and there is a consensus between government and PTI in this regard.