Pakistan farmers stage nationwide protest for sugarcane support price

Farmers' Protest and Demands

Farmers in Pakistan have announced a nationwide protest on October 18, 2023, to demand government support for sugarcane. The Pakistan Farmers' Association (PKRC) is leading the movement, which aims to secure a support price of 700 Pakistani rupees per 40 kg of sugarcane.

In addition to sugarcane, farmers have also proposed a support price of 5,000 Pakistani rupees per quintal for wheat. The protest will see the participation of various farmer organizations including the Punjab Majeedan Jamaat, KP Karkala, Pakistan Kisan Ittehad, Sindh Hari Committee, Hari Jaddojahad Committee, and Hari Poriaat Committee.

Context and Challenges

The farmers are facing increasing production costs due to rising prices of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and diesel. At the same time, market uncertainties are making it difficult for farmers to sell their crops at fair prices. PKRC President Tariq Mahmood stated that farmers are struggling to bear the rising production costs but do not trust that they will get adequate prices in the market.

PKRC Secretary General Rifaat Masood expressed concerns about the future of Pakistan's agricultural sector under the current policy framework. They highlighted issues related to rising agricultural costs and the uncertainty of government procurement of crops. Central leaders of the committee Farooq Tariq stressed the need to include farmers' participation when formulating agricultural policies. They warned that decisions taken without adequate consultation could impact the country's food security.

Calls for Government Action

Farmers are urging the government to announce support prices before the sugarcane harvesting season begins. They argue that farmers need clear information about potential prices when deciding to harvest their crops. PKRC Information Secretary Hassanail Faridi has appealed to the government to engage in dialogue with farmer associations before the proposed protests on October 18, 2023.