MULTAN:
Pakistan Kissan Ittehad Chairman Khalid Khokhar has urged the government to declare a state of emergency for agriculture in the country to address the growing challenges of the sector and improve the living standards of the farming community.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Khokhar highlighted rising production costs, low crop prices and adverse effects of climate change as key threats facing farmers. He expressed concern over the significant decline in cotton production, a vital crop for Pakistan. He warned that this recession will inevitably affect the textile industry. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy,” he said, fearing that the coming wheat season may also see a drop in yield.
Khokhar criticized political leaders for failing to give the sector the attention it needs. He demanded the government to ensure timely sale and payment for the sugarcane crop and demanded swift action to resolve the Rs 20 billion in unpaid dues owed by the sugar mills. “Farmers need immediate relief and these payments should be made without further delay,” he stressed.
Khokhar also raised concerns over the rising cost of electricity for agricultural use, which has reached nearly Rs 60 to 70 per unit – higher than the price offered to industries at Rs 48 per unit. “For the first time in our history, electricity for agriculture is more expensive than for industry,” he lamented, urging the government to restore farmers’ confidence by addressing these disparities.
He proposed a national dialogue on agriculture, inviting stakeholders from across the political spectrum to engage in discussions aimed at solving the sector’s pressing issues.
Khokhar warned that if not addressed, the agriculture sector could face negative growth next year, as opposed to the 6.5% growth achieved last year.
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