Kissan Ittehad Calls for Protest March Amidst Looming Wheat Crisis
Published on: May 7, 2024.
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Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) to March in Protest for Wheat Issues
The Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) has announced a protest march from Multan to Lahore on May 10 to address concerns and protest regarding the ongoing wheat issue. This demonstration aims to draw attention to the challenges faced by farmers and demand action from the government.
Chairman of Pakistan Kissan Ittehad, Khalid Khokhar, stated during a press conference that thousands of peasants, along with their families and farming equipment, will participate in the protest march. The demonstration will continue until an agricultural emergency is declared in the province.
Khokhar emphasized the need for the government to take immediate action, including initiating wheat purchase, reducing electricity tariff, and decreasing Urea fertilizer prices. He also alleged corrupt practices in the decision to import wheat, stating that there was no need for importation when the country had a bumper stock available. He called for punishment for those involved in this alleged scandal.
The Chairman expressed concerns about the impact of the wheat crisis on farmers. The lack of wheat purchase is preventing farmers from sowing essential crops like cotton and rice, which could result in a decrease in the country’s exports. Khokhar highlighted that agriculture products account for nearly $22 billion of the country’s $31.5 billion annual exports.
Khokhar criticized the minimal spending on the agriculture sector, which currently stands at only 0.8% of the total GDP. He questioned how a country could progress with such limited investment in agriculture, which plays a vital role in ensuring food security. He urged civil society, lawyers, students, journalists, and others to support and join the farmers’ protest.
In addition to the protest, a significant conflict between the federal and provincial governments has emerged, threatening the agricultural sector. The high-level inquiry committee, formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, uncovered a letter written by the Secretary of Food, Punjab, to the Secretary of National Food Security.
The letter, dated March 25, 2024, urged the immediate halt of wheat imports totaling 2.6 million tonnes. However, despite this prohibition, the federal government proceeded to import a staggering 8.5 million tons of wheat. The Punjab’s Food Secretary stressed the already alarming import figure of 3.4 million tons and the potential surplus it would create in the market. This surplus could adversely affect local farmers.
With Punjab’s wheat production growing to 17.4 million acres and production estimates reaching 24.2 million tonnes, the influx of imported wheat poses a threat to the delicate balance of supply and demand. This imbalance could cause financial hardships for farmers.
The letter highlights the contrast between last year’s wheat procurement efforts in Punjab, which amounted to 4 million tons, and the current situation of restricted release of wheat stocks, estimated at only 1.8 million tons. This imbalance raises concerns about market equilibrium and the welfare of farmers. Furthermore, Punjab’s substantial wheat stocks, valued at Rs 80 billion, are becoming a financial burden due to accruing interest.
This situation demands decisive action to alleviate the economic strain on the provincial government and prioritize sustainable agricultural practices.
Source: [Daily Times](https://dailytimes.com.pk)
