MULTAN – Pakistan Kissan Ittehad President Khalid Mahmood Khokhar on Saturday expressed concerns over the treatment of the agriculture sector in the federal budget, stating that the sector had not received the attention it required despite its significant contribution to the national economy and food security.
Press Conference Highlights
Addressing a press conference at the local press club, Khokhar said agriculture remained the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and a major source of livelihood for a large segment of the population. He observed that issues related to food security and declining agricultural output demanded greater policy focus.
Farmers' Expectations
He said farmers had expected measures aimed at reducing production costs, including relief in electricity tariffs and agricultural inputs, as well as incentives to enhance exports and productivity. Khokhar maintained that several crops, including cotton, wheat, maize, potatoes, and mangoes, had faced marketing and pricing challenges in recent years, affecting growers’ incomes.
Call for Sustainable Policies
He stressed the need for policies that would make farming a sustainable and profitable activity for future generations. He also called for increased investment in agricultural research, climate resilience, and productivity enhancement, saying these areas were essential for long-term food security and economic growth.
Potential for Self-Sufficiency
Highlighting the importance of the sector, he said Pakistan had the potential to achieve greater agricultural self-sufficiency if farmers were provided with a conducive policy environment and adequate support. Khokhar urged policymakers to engage stakeholders from the farming community and consider measures aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector in the national interest.
Tribute to Mehdi Hassan
In a separate note, tribute was paid to Shahenshah-e-Ghazal Mehdi Hassan.
