The Pakistan Mutthida Kissan Mahaz and the Pakistan Kissan Ittehad have announced that they will stage a big rally at Nasir Bagh in the provincial metropolis on March 25 to press the government to subsidise the agriculture which according to them has become a trade of deficit at present.
Pakistan Mutthida Kissan Mahaz Chief Muhammad Ayub Khan Mayo and Pakistan Kissan Ittehad President Chaudhry Muhammad Anwar told a press conference at the Lahore Press Club on Friday that they would arrange a mammoth rally of growers in Lahore on March 25 to present a charter of demand to the government to reform the agricultural sector.
"These reforms are aimed at not only boosting the agricultural productivity in the country but also to improve the living standards of growers which are not only feeding the population of the country but also ensuring the wheel of industries running through supply of raw material," he said.
He said Pakistan's 80 percent of the industry and trade rely directly or indirectly on agriculture. "The farming sector has a 21-percent share in the gross domestic product while it is providing livelihood to 75 percent of people of the rural areas and those working in agro-based industries. The farmers demand that the government extend subsidy to the agricultural sector besides withdrawing the 17-percent general sales tax imposed on agricultural inputs," he said.
He continued, "The government should go for the immediate construction of small and big water reservoirs which will not only enhance availability of water for irrigation but also indirectly play a pivotal role in enhancing productivity. The farmers also demand that the government set up hydel power projects to ensure cheaper electricity for domestic, industrial and agricultural use."
Eight different growers' organisations have been invited to participate in the rally which included PMKM, PKI, Sindh Abadgar Board, Balochistan Zamindar Action Committee, Pakistan Kissan council.
Comments
Comments are closed.