Rice Farmers Rally Against Trader’s Low Price Offer, Demanding Fair Pay
Published on: October 22, 2023.
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Protesting Farmers in Jacobabad Demand Fair Rice Prices
In a show of frustration against low paddy prices, rice farmers in Garhi Khairo, Jacobabad, staged a protest sit-in, causing a roadblock between Sindh and Balochistan. The farmers claim that while the Sindh government has fixed the paddy price at 4,500 rupees per maund, traders are only offering 2,200 to 2,300 rupees per maund for their rice. This price is insufficient to cover the production costs for the farmers.
The rice industry in Pakistan has been facing significant challenges in recent times. Last year, devastating floods destroyed almost 80% of the expected crop production in Sindh, resulting in a record hike in rice prices of nearly 90%. With an annual consumption of over 3.7 million tons, rice is a crucial staple in the country.
The high cost of production at both the farm and miller levels has been another contributing factor to the rise in rice prices. Additionally, the prices of paddy have dropped sharply across Punjab, with the Basmati 1509 variety losing around 1,500 rupees per maund within a month of new crops arriving in the markets. However, overall rice production in Pakistan is expected to reach 9 million tons, which is the second-highest in history due to an increase in cultivated area.
Furthermore, recent crackdowns on smuggling to Iran and Afghanistan have had an impact on prices. It is expected that prices may stabilize in the coming month.
It is crucial for the government to address the concerns of the protesting farmers and ensure fair prices for their produce. Supporting the rice farmers will contribute to the stability of the agricultural sector in Pakistan.
For more information on rice exporters from Pakistan, rice suppliers, and Pakistani rice prices, visit [HasRice.com](https://www.hasrice.com) and [PakistanRice.com](https://www.pakistanrice.com).
**Source:** [ARY News](https://arynews.tv)
