The wheat growers have demanded enhancement of Rs 15 per 40kg or Rs7.50 per 100 kg bag in wheat support price for the winter cropping season 2005-06.
In a representation to Federal Agriculture Minister, the Sindh Abadgar Board pointed out current import policy of wheat has escalated the price of petroleum products, and enormous increase in inputs price were having negative impact on agriculture economy.
They maintained increase in diesel price at the time when wheat-sowing season around the corner would minimise the use of diesel operating agriculture machinery particularly the tractors, as it would cost them enormously.
They were of the opinion if growers not compensated by enhancing support price diesel price increased to some extent would be resulting in adverse preparation of land having fatal impact on per acre yield.
The board claimed if less use of agriculture machinery including tractors translated in terms of per acre yield loss, there were apprehensions for per acre yield decline by 80 to 90 kg per acre which meant a total loss of production would be around 207,998,7 tons.
They further maintained if government procured wheat from international market to cover the production loss, it would have to pay around Rs 26 billion, whereas increase in support price would only cost Rs 8 billion. A net saving of Rs 18 billion besides a positive signal to growers is advantageous, they said.
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