The Pakistan Kisan Ittehad (PKI) has issued a grave warning over the worsening state of the country’s agriculture sector, claiming it is nearing collapse due to soaring production costs and insufficient government support.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, PKI Chairman Khalid Hussain revealed that the current cost of agricultural production has climbed to Rs3,400 per unit, while farmers are receiving only Rs2,000, leading to collective losses estimated at Rs1,106 billion.
Hussain criticized Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for not engaging with the farming community, stating that farmers are still waiting for a dialogue with the provincial leadership. He emphasized that while farmers are resilient and survive on basic meals like lassi, chutney, and roti, the larger concern is for the 250 million Pakistanis whose food security depends on agriculture.
Adding to the concerns, PKI leader Khalid Khokhar pointed to a decline in rice exports and warned that the country may soon have to import wheat if the situation continues. He also forecast a significant reduction in wheat cultivation in the coming season, although farmers remain committed to continuing their work.
Another senior PKI representative, Khalid Hussain Bath, warned that failure to announce a fair support price for wheat may force farmers to stage a hunger strike in Islamabad. He also raised doubts over the introduction of a European-style procurement system, noting that many local farmers lack the knowledge and infrastructure, including storage facilities, to navigate such a setup.
