In one of its most significant policy meetings focused on agriculture, food security and rural development, the Sindh cabinet on Tuesday approved the landmark Sindh Farmers’ Agricultural Collectives Act, 2026.
Presided over by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, the cabinet meeting at the CM House ordered strict action against wheat hoarders, initiated reforms to digitise the provincial food department, and reviewed the draft National Wheat Policy 2026-2030 that is aimed at transforming Pakistan’s wheat economy.
The cabinet also approved a wide range of decisions relating to agricultural modernisation, inclusive education, prison security, revenue reforms, infrastructure development, welfare of Rescue 1122 personnel, fisheries monitoring, and the continuation of the Pakistan Rangers’ deployment in Sindh.
In a major step towards transforming Sindh’s rural economy, the cabinet cleared the final draft of the Sindh Farmers’ Agricultural Collectives Act, 2026, paving the way for its introduction in the provincial assembly. The proposed piece of legislation seeks to empower small farmers, livestock breeders and fisherfolk by enabling them to pool land, resources and machinery, improve access to finance and technology, and directly connect with high-value markets.
Developed after extensive consultations with farmers’ organisations, the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture, the Sindh Abadgar Board and the State Bank of Pakistan, the bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework for collective farming and agribusiness.
It defines small farmers as those owning or cultivating between one and 25 acres, and extends the concept of collectives to livestock and inland fisheries. It introduces a democratic governance structure based on the principle of “one member, one vote”, mandates representation of women and transgender persons, creates transparent profit-sharing mechanisms, and opens opportunities for participation in carbon-credit and ecosystem-services markets.
For regulation and oversight, the bill proposes the establishment of the Sindh Agricultural Collectives Regulatory Authority, which would register and supervise collectives, provide digital governance platforms, facilitate e-commerce linkages, manage climate and pest risks, and resolve disputes.
Shah said the government believes the initiative would promote mechanisation, strengthen farmers’ bargaining power, reduce dependence on middlemen, and support climate-smart agriculture across the province.
Recognising the risks faced by emergency responders, the cabinet approved a policy framework providing financial assistance to the families of Rescue 1122 personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty.
The package includes an ex gratia grant of Rs10 million, burial assistance of Rs300,000, continuation of salary or employment opportunities for next of kin, and a group life insurance cover of Rs5 million. A dedicated Welfare Compensation Committee would determine eligibility, and oversee the disbursement of benefits.
The cabinet also approved the completion of the long-delayed Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Flyover Project in Hyderabad through the works & services department.
Originally launched in 2016-17, the project had stalled despite significant progress, including the construction of 24 bridge girders. The remaining work would now proceed after structural validation, and compliance with legal and technical requirements
