LAHORE: Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) President Khalid Mahmood Khokhar has expressed concerns over the deteriorating state of agriculture in the country.

Khokhar criticised both federal and provincial budgets for offering “empty promises” to farmers. He appealed to the government to consider food security. He accused the state of treating farmers like a “stepmother,” asserting that farmers are operating at a significant loss.

“If the government believes farmers are thriving, they should come and explain it, and I will stop holding press conferences,” he challenged.

Highlighting the drastic decline in agricultural output, he revealed a 64pc reduction in overall production, not just 34pc as some might suggest. Specifically, he noted a 15pc decrease in maize production and a 50pc drop in rice output. This decline in crop production has also led to a reduction in exports of agricultural commodities. He cited a severe impact on mango production, with 74pc of the yield damaged.

He pointed out the inconsistency of the government deregulating wheat prices on one hand while setting the price of bread on the other. He also raised concerns about the cost of agricultural inputs, stating that DAP fertiliser costs Rs4,300 in Pakistan while being cheaper in neighbouring countries.

“Do we have no right to Pakistan? Did American farmers vote for you, or Pakistani farmers?” he asked the rulers.

Khokhar urged the government to make farming profitable before attempting to levy agricultural income tax, which he noted ranges from 15pc to 45pc.

Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2025