Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced that the new support price for wheat has been set at Rs 3,500 for 40 kilograms. This is aimed at finding a solution to the challenges faced by farmers.
During a press conference held at the Chief Minister’s House today, Shah highlighted the Sindh government’s decision to align with the federal government’s wheat support price, and stressed the need to support farmers amidst economic difficulties. He acknowledged the hardships faced by farmers, including some landowners resorting to selling land to cover expenses.
The Chief Minister revealed that discussions are ongoing with the federal government regarding the agricultural income tax. He announced the temporary deferment of the controversial triple tax on agricultural income, and instead announced a return to the 15% tax slab. This decision is expected to reduce the financial pressure on the agricultural community.
In addition to the wheat pricing strategy, the Sindh government is set to implement a comprehensive relief package worth Rs 55 billion. This package, aimed at increasing agricultural output and mitigating the effects of the recent fertilizer shortage, will provide farmers with one bag of Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and two bags of Urea per acre.
Chief Minister Shah attributed these positive developments to the consistent efforts of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who actively engaged with the federal leadership to ensure favorable conditions for the province’s farmers. Shah noted that Zardari’s frequent meetings with the Prime Minister were crucial in reaching this agreement.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that these measures would not only stabilize wheat production but also strengthen the agricultural infrastructure in Sindh, paving the way for sustainable growth in the sector.