Farmers to hold massive protest after Eid over low wheat support price

The Punjab farmers' union, Kisan Ittehad, has announced plans for massive protests across the Punjab province in Pakistan following the Muslim holiday of Eid-ul-Fitr. The union's chairman, Chaudhry Khalid Hussain Bath, expressed strong criticism towards the current Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led government for maintaining a low support price for wheat at Rs 3,900 per maund (approximately 35.27 US dollars).

Bath argued that this price is insufficient and fails to cover the actual production costs and expenses incurred by farmers during the cultivation process. He emphasized that the cost of production for wheat in Punjab is around Rs 5,000 per maund (approximately 46.12 US dollars), leaving farmers with significant financial losses.

The farmers' union also highlighted that the government's decision comes despite an increase in production costs due to factors such as rising fertilizer prices and labor wages. Bath stated that the current support price is not only unjust but also unsustainable for farmers, who are already facing financial difficulties and struggling to make ends meet.

The Kisan Ittehad's announcement comes as part of their ongoing efforts to advocate for fair prices and better conditions for farmers in Pakistan. The union has previously organized several protests and rallies to raise awareness about their concerns and put pressure on the government to address their grievances.

The upcoming protests are expected to draw large crowds from various districts in Punjab, with farmers expressing their dissatisfaction and frustration towards the government's inaction on this issue. The protests are set to take place after Eid-ul-Fitr, which is expected to fall on April 14, 2023, according to the Islamic lunar calendar.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by farmers in Pakistan, who continue to grapple with low prices and high production costs, making it difficult for them to sustain their livelihoods and contribute effectively to the agricultural sector. The government's response to these concerns will be closely watched by farmers and observers alike, as it could have significant implications for the agricultural sector and the broader economy.