KARACHI: “Sindh has long been plagued by a high frequency of hunger, malnutrition, poverty and repeatedly hit by natural disasters,” read a statement issued by the Hari Welfare Association (HWA) on the eve of ‘International Day of Peasant Struggles’ -- observed on April 17.

It said that in 2022, the food security situation in the province significantly deteriorated as a result of rising costs of food and fuel amid drought, torrential monsoon rains, animal diseases and drastically shrinking job prospects.

HWA president Akram Ali Khaskheli said in the statement: “International Day of Peasant Struggles is a day to recognise peasants’ rights and raise awareness of the challenges faced by small-scale farmers, agricultural workers and rural communities around the world. Like other peasants in the world, peasants in Sindh are facing serious issues, including food insecurity, due to many problems but primarily the absence of land reforms and hegemony of a few feudal lord families on lands and the entire governance structure.”

“Due to its absence, there are just a few people who own land. Agriculture is less productive, and too many rural and peasant groups receive minimal economic benefits. When properly carried out, land reforms can help with the problem of food insecurity in many ways,” he added. He said that under the land reforms, farmlands should be distributed to landless peasants; required farming and animal rearing incentives should be extended to such marginalised groups.

Concentration of lands in the hands of a small number of wealthy people or families leads to restricted access for peasants and landless farm workers which has a negative impact on food security, agriculture productivity, opportunities for income and livelihood, and social justice and equity, according to him.

The HWA chief described the Sindh Tenancy Act of 1955 as a significant piece of legislation and regretted that it had never been implemented in its true spirit.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2023