HYDERABAD: The Sindh Abadgar Ittehad (SAI) has rejected the proposed 45 per cent agricultural income tax, demanding that it be fixed at 15 per cent instead.

It also demanded the immediate resumption of trade with Afghanistan and Iran, while strongly condemning Indian threats to block water flowing into Pakistan.

A meeting of the growers’ body, chaired by SAI President Nawab Zubair Talpur here on Wednesday, noted that international law strictly prohibits any country from cutting off another state’s water supply. The forum maintained that such an action is entirely impermissible and that India possesses no legal authority under international conventions to take this step.

The meeting urged the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco) to end electricity load-shedding for agricultural tube wells and water-lifting machinery, warning that the power cuts are severely threatening crop cultivation. Turning to local water management, the SAI held the Sindh Irrigation Department responsible for persistent water shortages, alleging that certain officers were actively selling water.

The SAI expressed deep concern over falling cotton prices this season. It noted that while production costs have surged, farmers are receiving just Rs7,000 per 40kg, down from Rs10,000 previously. The body demanded that the rate for cotton be fixed at Rs12,000 per 40kg.

The meeting also highlighted unfair trade practices, pointing out that Pakistan is the only country where a maund is treated as equivalent to 42 kilogram instead of 40kg, resulting in illegal deductions that disadvantage growers. The SAI stated that everyone from middlemen to ginning factory owners is involved in this practice.

The body also opposed the diversion of water from the Phuleli canal to the Akram Wah canal, arguing that the move infringes upon the water rights of local farmers.

The meeting concluded with a condemnation of the recent demolition of shops belonging to SAI Information Secretary Sajjad Memon.

Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2026