The Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI), led by Chairman Khalid Khokhar, has dismissed the Punjab government's Rs15 billion relief package for wheat farmers, deeming it insufficient to cover escalating production costs. At a press conference in Multan, Khokhar expressed that the subsidy does not alleviate the financial strain on farmers, who are grappling with increased costs for seeds, fertilisers, and energy.
Concerns Over Wheat Procurement and Financial Losses
Khokhar criticised the government's failure to procure wheat from farmers, forcing them to sell at lower prices to private dealers. He alleged that a wheat import scandal has led to financial losses of approximately Rs400 billion for farmers and Rs150 billion for the government due to unsold wheat. He accused a 'mafia' of profiting from wheat smuggling and imports, despite the country having sufficient domestic stocks .
Call for Agricultural Emergency and Policy Reforms
The PKI has called for the declaration of a national agricultural emergency to address the sector's challenges, including rising input costs, low crop prices, and climate change impacts. Khokhar has urged the government to implement reforms such as establishing an independent commission to set fair crop prices, reducing electricity tariffs for farmers, and investing in agricultural research and development.
Implications for Future Crop Cultivation
The ongoing crisis has led to a decline in wheat cultivation, with farmers expressing reluctance to plant the next crop due to financial constraints. Khokhar warned that continued neglect could result in a 20-30% reduction in wheat sowing in the upcoming season, adversely affecting the agricultural ecosystem
