Sindh Farmers Threaten Wheat Cultivation Boycott Due to Farm Tax Imposition

Here’s a revised article for archyde.com, focusing on the key issues and presenting them in a style suitable for the website:

Sindh Farmers Declare War on Agri-tax, Boycott Wheat in Protest

HYDERABAD, Pakistan – July 23, 2025 – The agricultural heartland of Sindh is in open revolt. The Sindh chamber of Agriculture (SCA) has announced a direct challenge to the newly imposed 45% agricultural income tax, branding it “unconstitutional, illegal, and unethical.” In a powerful display of defiance, the SCA has called for a complete boycott of wheat cultivation for the upcoming 2025-2026 season, urging farmers across the province to sow choice crops like mustard, nigella (kalonji), and sunflower instead.

The decision, reached at a packed meeting chaired by SCA patron-in-chief Dr. Syed Nadeem Qamar, marks a meaningful escalation in the ongoing struggle by farmers to secure fair returns for their labor. The SCA leadership claims the controversial tax was implemented under directives from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), further fueling resentment among already burdened agriculturalists.

Farmers attending the meeting voiced widespread dismay, arguing that the tax is unjustified given the current market realities. They highlighted that low wheat prices are making it increasingly difficult to even cover production costs, let alone generate a profit. “We are not receiving fair prices for our produce,” declared farmers’ leaders at the meeting, “and this tax is an added burden we simply cannot bear.”

The SCA has not only urged its members to refuse payment of the agricultural income tax but has also issued a stark warning to the government. “If the government resorts to arrests for this disobedience,” they stated, “millions of other farmers will also court arrest. we are ready to face imprisonment, but we will not pay the agricultural income tax.”

The call to boycott wheat cultivation is a direct response to the perceived lack of adequate support prices for the staple grain. Farmers are signaling a strategic shift towards more profitable oilseed crops, aiming to reclaim financial stability. This year is being marked as a “boycott year” for wheat, signaling a clear message of discontent.Cotton Crisis Deepens Amidst Rising Input Costs

The SCA’s grievances extend beyond wheat. The chamber expressed grave concern over a staggering 40% decline in cotton production, with estimates suggesting the yield will not surpass four million bales. Farmers are currently receiving a meager Rs6,500 per maund for cotton, a far cry from the Rs11,000 per maund promised by the Sindh agriculture minister, a promise that has yet to materialize.

In an effort to bolster local production,the SCA is demanding the withdrawal of the existing 18% local tax on cotton and the imposition of a 25% tax on imported cotton.

Compounding these issues is the runaway cost of essential agricultural inputs. The chamber cited a sharp increase of Rs22 per liter in diesel prices and a Rs600 per bag rise in DAP fertilizer within the last fortnight alone.These escalating costs, coupled with the inability to secure fair prices for their produce, are described as “crippling farmers” and are seen as a “purposeful destruction of the agricultural sector.” The SCA has issued an urgent demand for the immediate rollback of these price hikes on diesel, fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, and other crucial inputs.

Push for Support and Registration

in a bid to provide some relief, the chamber urged farmers to register for the Benazir Hari Card by contacting their respective mukhtiarkars and relevant officials. Furthermore, they are advocating for the extension of the Rs10,000 per acre subsidy, currently available for sunflower and canola crops, to include mustard and rapeseed crops as well.

The meeting was attended by key agricultural stakeholders, including sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority Chairman Kabool Khatian, General Secretary Zahid Bhurgari, Nabi Bux Sathi, Shahnawaz Khan Jamali, Asghar Khan Nonari, Murad Ali Khan Nizamani, Sikander Ali Sariwal, Bilal Khan Laghari, and Abdul Karim Talpur, among others. The unified stance of these leaders underscores the depth of the crisis facing Sindh’s farmers and their determination to fight for their rights.

What specific concerns do Sindh farmers have regarding the new farm tax, beyond the general burden on profitability?

The Growing Crisis in Sindh’s Agricultural Sector

Sindh province, a critical agricultural region of Pakistan, is facing a potential crisis as farmers are threatening a widespread boycott of wheat cultivation. This drastic measure stems from the recent imposition of a new farm tax, sparking outrage and protests across the region. The situation threatens Pakistan’s national food security and the livelihoods of countless farming families. This article delves into the details of the proposed tax, the farmers’ response, potential consequences, and possible resolutions. We’ll cover key aspects like wheat production in Sindh, farm tax impact, and agricultural protests in Pakistan.

Understanding the New Farm Tax

The Sindh government recently announced a new tax levied on agricultural land, aiming to increase provincial revenue.While the exact details vary depending on land size and crop type, the tax is broadly applied to all agricultural produce, including the staple crop, wheat.

Tax Structure: Reports indicate a percentage-based tax on the total value of the harvest. Specific rates are still being finalized, contributing to farmer uncertainty.

Government Rationale: Officials state the tax is necessary to fund essential infrastructure projects and improve agricultural services within Sindh. They argue it will lead to long-term benefits for the farming community.

Farmer Concerns: Farmers argue the tax is unfairly burdensome, especially given rising input costs (fertilizer, seeds, fuel) and unpredictable whether patterns. They fear it will render wheat farming unprofitable, forcing many to abandon cultivation.

Farmers’ Response: A Looming Boycott

The declaration of the farm tax has been met wiht fierce opposition from Sindh’s farming community. Farmer associations have organized protests, road blockades, and are now threatening a complete boycott of wheat cultivation for the upcoming season.

Protest Actions: Demonstrations have taken place in major agricultural districts like Khairpur, Sukkur, and larkana.Farmers are demanding the immediate withdrawal of the tax.

Boycott Threat: The Sindh Abadgar Association, a leading farmer organization, has warned that if the tax isn’t revoked, farmers will shift to other crops or leave land fallow, leading to a significant reduction in wheat production.

Impact on Wheat Supply: A successful boycott could severely impact Pakistan’s wheat supply, potentially leading to price increases and food shortages. Pakistan relies heavily on domestic wheat production to meet its population’s needs.

Potential Consequences of the Boycott

The ramifications of a widespread wheat cultivation boycott in Sindh are far-reaching. Beyond the immediate impact on food security, several other consequences are anticipated.

Food Security Risks: Reduced wheat production will necessitate increased imports, straining Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves.

Economic Impact: The agricultural sector is a significant contributor to Sindh’s economy. A boycott will lead to job losses and reduced income for farmers and related industries.

Social Unrest: Food price increases and economic hardship could fuel social unrest and instability in the region.

Ripple Effect on Other Crops: If the tax remains in place, farmers may consider reducing cultivation of other essential crops, exacerbating the agricultural crisis. Sindh agriculture economy is at risk.

Historical Context: Farmer Protests in Pakistan

This isn’t the first time Pakistani farmers have taken to the streets to protest government policies.

2018 Fertilizer Subsidy Protests: Farmers across Punjab and Sindh protested the reduction in fertilizer subsidies,arguing it increased their production costs.

2020 water Shortage Demonstrations: Severe water shortages led to protests in Sindh, with farmers demanding better water management and equitable distribution.

Recurring Issues: These protests highlight the ongoing challenges faced by pakistani farmers, including rising input costs, water scarcity, and lack of government support. Pakistani farmer issues are systemic.

Possible Resolutions and Government Response

Finding a resolution that satisfies both the Sindh government and the farming community is crucial. Several options are being considered.

Tax Revision: The government could revise the tax structure,reducing the percentage levied on wheat and other essential crops.

Input Subsidies: Providing subsidies on fertilizers, seeds, and other essential inputs could offset the financial burden of the tax.

Negotiations: Open dialog between government officials and farmer representatives is essential to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

Investment in Agricultural Infrastructure: Increased investment in irrigation systems, storage facilities, and transportation networks could improve efficiency and reduce costs for farmers. Agricultural infrastructure Sindh needs betterment.

Government Stance (as of july 23, 2025): As of today, the Sindh government has stated it is indeed open to negotiations but maintains the tax is necessary for provincial development.

Benefits of a Collaborative Approach

A collaborative approach, involving open communication and compromise, offers several benefits:

Increased Wheat Production: A resolution that addresses farmer concerns will encourage continued wheat cultivation, ensuring food security.

Economic Stability: Supporting the agricultural sector will contribute to economic stability in Sindh and pakistan as a whole