Pakistan: Farmers’ Union Threatens Nationwide Protest After Eid

Islamabad: Balochistan 24 Web

The Farmers’ Union has threatened a nationwide protest immediately after Eid if their demands are not met.

Chairman of the Farmers’ Union, Khalid Hussain Bath, stated in a press conference that if the government fails to set wheat prices, clear outstanding sugarcane dues, and conduct a forensic audit of farmers’ electricity bills, they will launch a nationwide protest right after Eid. He further emphasized that the protest would continue until their demands are fulfilled.

He strongly opposed the import of apples from Iran, calling it an attack on the rights of Balochistan’s farmers. He urged the government to halt the import of vegetables and fruits from Iran.

Bath highlighted that farmers are currently provided with only two hours of electricity for their crops, which is insufficient. He warned that if the government continues to neglect farmers and fails to address their problems, agricultural production in the country will decline significantly, posing a major challenge for Pakistan.

Farmers Not Getting Fair Prices for Wheat, Sugarcane, Rice, and Other Crops

Speaking at the National Press Club Islamabad, Khalid Hussain Bath pointed out that for the past six to seven crop cycles, farmers have not received fair prices for their produce. This includes wheat, sugarcane, rice, maize, barley, mustard, cotton, and various vegetables.

He further stated that the government is planning to import wheat worth one billion rupees, while the sugar mill mafia has set the sugarcane price at Rs. 400 per maund. However, in reality, sugarcane is being purchased from farmers for as low as Rs. 250 to Rs. 350 per maund. The same mafia is now selling sugar at high prices to the public.

The Farmers’ Union has demanded that the government take immediate action to resolve farmers’ issues; otherwise, they are prepared for a nationwide protest.