KARACHI: The Sindh government on Thursday called on the federal government to establish a mechanism for fixing the support price of paddy, similar to the system applied to wheat.
Sindh Agriculture Minister Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mehar said the provincial administration is aware of the challenges faced by rice farmers and urged Islamabad to announce a fair support price promptly, ensuring farmers receive proper compensation for their produce.
District-level committees have been formed to address farmers’ complaints and maintain close contact with cultivators. Assistant Commissioners and secretaries of Market Committees will head these committees, which will also take action against middlemen and submit weekly reports to the Agriculture Secretary.
The minister highlighted that the Sindh government aims to provide subsidies for rice production through the Benazir Hari Card system, enabling farmers to reduce costs and improve profits. A new transparent framework is being prepared to deliver all agricultural subsidies directly through the Hari Card.
Farmers’ grievances regarding illegal deductions from paddy prices will be addressed at the district level, with officers instructed to resolve disputes between farmers and intermediaries.
Sardar Mehar stressed that provincial governments cannot unilaterally fix crop prices due to federal and IMF regulations. He urged the federation to develop a long-term, sustainable agricultural strategy in consultation with provinces and stakeholders.
The minister reaffirmed Sindh’s commitment to providing direct financial assistance to small farmers via the Benazir Hari Card, ensuring equitable support for the province’s agricultural community.
