President Pakistan Kissan Ittehad, Khalid Mahmood Khokhar on Saturday expressed concerns over the treatment of the agriculture sector in the Federal budget,saying that the sector had not received the attention it required despite its significant contribution to the national economy and food security. Addressing a press conference at local press club,Khokhar said agriculture remained the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and a major source of livelihood for a large segment of the population.

He observed that issues related to food security and declining agricultural output required greater policy focus. He said farmers had expected measures aimed at reducing production costs, including relief in electricity tariffs and agricultural inputs, as well as incentives to enhance exports and productivity. Khokhar maintained that several crops, including cotton, wheat, maize, potatoes and mangoes, had faced marketing and pricing challenges in recent years, affecting growers’ incomes.

He stressed the need for policies that would make farming a sustainable and profitable activity for future generations. He also called for increased investment in agricultural research,climate resilience and productivity enhancement, saying these areas were essential for long-term food security and economic growth. Pakistan Kissan Ittehad president proposed the establishment of an independent mechanism to monitor agricultural imports exports and input cost and then recommend support prices that ensure reasonable returns for farmers.

Highlighting the importance of the sector, he said Pakistan had the potential to achieve greater agricultural self-sufficiency if farmers were provided with a conducive policy environment and adequate support. Khokhar urged policymakers to engage stakeholders from the farming community and consider measures aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector in the national interest.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)