Awami Tehreek President Advocate Vasand Thari, along with Central Vice Presidents Noor Ahmad Katiar, Hooralnisa Palijo, Sattar Rind and Husna Rahujo, expressed deep concern over the dire economic situation faced by farmers in Sindh in a joint statement on Tuesday.
Chehra WebDesk
Hyderabad
Awami Tehreek President Advocate Vasand Thari, along with Central Vice Presidents Noor Ahmad Katiar, Hooralnisa Palijo, Sattar Rind and Husna Rahujo, expressed deep concern over the dire economic situation faced by farmers in Sindh in a joint statement on Tuesday.
They strongly condemned the falling crop prices, describing it as "economic murder" of the farming community. Amid rising inflation, essential agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilizers are being sold on the black market at inflated prices. Farmers are forced to sell their paddy crop at Rs. 2,200–2,300 per 40 kg, a sharp decline from Rs. 4,000 last year. Instead of increasing crop prices in line with inflation, government-backed capitalists are exploiting the situation, purchasing crops at unfairly low rates and depriving farmers of their rightful earnings.
The leaders also criticized the government for failing to announce a fair support price for sugarcane. They accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of prioritizing to pay role in the increasing of political conflicts of PTI and PML-N over addressing the critical issues faced by Sindh’s farmers.
Awami Tehreek further highlighted the government's anti-farmer policies, which they believe have led to a worsening food crisis. Black marketing and the undervaluation of crops are pushing the country toward famine, a risk the United Nations has already warned about. Instead of strengthening the agricultural sector, the government is selling fertile lands to foreign investors, undermining the livelihood of local farmers.
The leaders called the imposition of corporate farming, amendments to the IRSA Act, and the construction of six new canals a calculated conspiracy to displace farming families in Sindh. They also pointed to the PPP government’s mismanagement, particularly in the aftermath of the 2022 floods, and warned that current policies are paving the way for another disaster. Concerns over a significant decline in wheat production in Sindh this year have further raised alarms about food security.
Awami Tehreek demanded the Immediate announcement of fair and just support prices for crops, including peddy and sugarcane. Strict regulation to control the black market for seeds and fertilizers. A shift in focus from corporate farming to empowering local farmers. Implementation of long-term policies to address food security and support sustainable agricultural growth.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to fighting for the rights of farmers and called on all stakeholders to stand against policies that threaten Sindh’s agricultural heritage.
