Farmers Ask Others to Boycott Wheat Farming
The chamber has asked farmers in Sindh not to grow wheat this year (2025–2026) in protest.
They say the government made this decision under pressure from the IMF. Farmers are already suffering from low prices for their crops. Adding such a high tax will make things even worse.
“We Will Not Pay the Tax,” Say Farmers
Farmers at the meeting said they would refuse to pay the new tax. Many said they are ready to go to jail instead of paying it.
Growers Told to Grow Other Crops
The chamber advised farmers to grow mustard, kalonji (nigella), sunflower, or oilseeds instead of wheat. They said these crops give better profits than wheat right now.
Cotton Prices Are Too Low
Farmers also complained about the drop in cotton production. Right now, cotton sells for only Rs. 6,500 per maund, while the government had promised Rs. 11,000.
They asked the government to:
- Remove 18% local tax on cotton
- Add 25% tax on imported cotton to protect local cotton growers
Farming Costs Are Going Up Fast
Farmers said the cost of growing crops is getting too high. In just 15 days:
- Diesel price went up by Rs. 22 per liter
- DAP fertilizer went up by Rs. 600 per bag
They asked the government to lower prices of diesel, fertilizer, seeds, and pesticides quickly.