LAHORE : Farmers’ representatives have urged government to ensure due return against their products, hike wheat rate, especially due to diesel price hike and open border trade in order to facilitate food trade.
Pakistan Kisan Ittehad (PKI) President Khalid Khokhar asked the government to declare an agricultural emergency to address the challenges facing the country’s farming sector.
Addressing a press conference here Saturday, Khokhar and other leaders emphasised that Pakistan has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, but farmers are struggling to reap benefits due to inadequate policies and politicisation of agriculture.
Khokhar demanded that farmers be guaranteed at least 25 percent profit margin over their production costs, citing the need to incentivize farming and boost exports. He lamented that agriculture, which contributes significantly to Pakistan’s exports, has become a victim of politics.
The PKI leader called for an end to this trend and urged the government to focus on developing the sector. The farmers’ leader highlighted the need for measures to reduce production costs, including lowering electricity prices and providing gas to fertilizer plants to increase urea production. He also emphasised the importance of exploring new export markets for Pakistani agricultural products, particularly in the wake of ongoing Pak-Afghan talks in Urumchi, China.
Khokhar pointed out that Pakistan’s agricultural sector is facing stiff competition from other countries, and it is imperative to take immediate action to enhance productivity and competitiveness. He warned that failure to address these issues could lead to a decline in agricultural production, exacerbating the country’s food security challenges.
The PKI president also drew attention to the rapid population growth in Pakistan, which is adding millions to the country’s population each year. He stressed that controlling population growth, reducing electricity costs, and improving agricultural productivity are essential for Pakistan’s economic development. Khokhar urged the government to take concrete steps to bring Pakistani farmers at par with their counterparts in developed countries, emphasizing that investing in agriculture is crucial for ensuring food security and promoting economic growth.
The PKI leader called on policymakers to revisit agricultural policies and prioritize the welfare of farmers to unlock the sector’s full potential. By declaring an agricultural emergency, the government can address the pressing issues facing farmers, enhance productivity, and promote exports, ultimately contributing to Pakistan’s economic stability and prosperity.
