Chairman Khalid Khokhar of Pakistan Kissan Ittehad has called on the government to declare an agricultural emergency to confront the sector’s increasing challenges and improve farmers’ living standards.
During a press conference on Saturday, Khokhar cited the escalating production costs, declining crop prices, and impacts of climate change as major threats to farmers. He pointed out the significant drop in cotton production, a crucial cash crop that could adversely impact the textile industry. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy,” Khokhar stated, expressing concern over potential future wheat yield declines.
Khokhar criticized political leaders for neglecting the sector’s needs. He emphasized the necessity of timely sugarcane sales and payments, highlighting Rs20 billion in outstanding dues from sugar mills. “Farmers need immediate relief; these payments must be made without further delay,” he insisted.
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Additionally, Khokhar remarked on the rising electricity costs for agriculture, which have surged to Rs60 to 70 per unit—higher than the industrial rate of Rs48 per unit. He expressed dismay, stating, “For the first time in our history, electricity for agriculture is more expensive than for industry,” and called for government action to restore farmers’ confidence by rectifying these disparities.
He advocated for a national dialogue on agriculture, encouraging participation from various political stakeholders to tackle these urgent issues.
Khokhar warned that without timely intervention, the agriculture sector might experience negative growth this year, starkly contrasting to last year’s 6.5% growth.
