HYDERABAD: The Executive Committee of the Sindh Abadgar Ittehad (SAI) held its monthly meeting in Hyderabad, presided over by Nawab Zubair Ahmed Talpur.
During the meeting, it was pointed out that while governments in other countries set crop prices, the Pakistani government has abandoned this role due to International Monetary Fund (IMF) directives. As a result, farmers are now entirely at the mercy of middlemen.
The committee raised concerns about the sugarcane industry, noting that the “sugarcane mafia” is once again preparing to exploit farmers, much like what happened with wheat farmers. They demanded that the price of sugarcane be immediately set at Rs500 per maund to prevent exploitation.
Farmers also expressed frustration over the decreasing price of paddy and demanded a fair price of Rs4,000 per maund. The meeting highlighted how farmers are being unfairly penalized during paddy purchasing, with moisture and humidity measuring devices being used to impose heavy losses. Additionally, they condemned the deductions made in labor charges, labeling these practices as severe injustices that must stop immediately.
The Sindh Abadgar Ittehad firmly rejected the construction of the six canals and dams being built along the Indus River, stating that these projects are unacceptable. Farmers further warned that if the price of wheat is not fixed at Rs4,000 per maund, they will refuse to cultivate wheat this season. This would result in significant losses for both the people and the government.
Despite the increase in water availability in the country this year, parts of Sindh continue to experience water shortages, which is a major problem for farmers, the committee noted. The meeting also called for the immediate completion of the Phulkara drainage system, which has been causing losses every year due to its incomplete status. The farmers demanded that this long-pending project be finished to prevent further damages.
