KBP demands support prices for wheat sugarcane warns of protests

The Kissan Board Pakistan (KBP) has urged the government to immediately announce support prices of Rs 5,000 per 40kg for wheat and Rs 700 per 40kg for sugarcane, warning of nationwide protests if their demands are not met. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, KBP Central President Sardar Zafar Hussain Khan emphasized the critical role of agriculture in Pakistan's economy, contributing 22 percent to the GDP and supporting 60 percent of the population. He criticized the low budgetary allocation to the sector, demanding at least 10 percent of national and provincial budgets be directed towards agriculture to reduce input costs and strengthen the economy.

Sardar Zafar highlighted the stark contrast with India, where support prices for 22 crops have been announced for two years, while Pakistani farmers face uncertainty. He alleged that vested interests are obstructing the announcement of support prices for wheat and sugarcane. The KBP president warned that if farmers are not guaranteed fair returns, the board will join Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman’s long march and launch a major protest campaign, including a countrywide demonstration on November 5.

The KBP president also criticized the closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, which has caused economic hardships and billions in losses. He raised concerns over urea supply restrictions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, excessive electricity billing by WAPDA, and declining profitability of citrus and other fruit crops. He warned that these issues could create an artificial food shortage and drive inflation. Sardar Zafar urged farmers to stay organized and announced plans for extensive countrywide visits to mobilize support.

In a final warning, Sardar Zafar stated that if the government fails to announce support prices immediately, farmers will take to the streets and block major roads, including Lahore’s Mall Road and routes to Islamabad.