Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) on Wednesday urged the government to procure wheat at favourable rates,and ensure that farmers were benefitted directly from subsidies, eliminating intermediaries such as middlemen and private entitie
On Wednesday, Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) pressed the government to secure wheat at advantageous rates and guarantee that farmers directly benefited from subsidies, bypassing intermediaries like middlemen and private entities.
Dr. Nafisa Shah, a lawmaker from PPPP, brought up the matter of wheat procurement and its pricing during the session. She called upon the government to offer support to farmers and create incentives for agriculturists. Underlining the crucial role of agriculture in the economy, she emphasized the urgent necessity to procure wheat at favorable rates to ease the burden on farmers.
Independent MNA Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj stressed that farmers should receive the full price of wheat, with subsidies directed exclusively towards them rather than intermediaries or other parties. He pointed out the current challenge of a lack of buyers for wheat and urged the government to send a clear message regarding wheat procurement. He advocated for the removal of middlemen and private entities from the process, proposing a rate of Rs. 3700 per 40 kilograms of wheat to support farmers.
MQM MNA Khawaja Izhar-ul-Hassan also underlined the importance of providing relief and subsidies directly to farmers. He asserted that the enhancement of the agricultural sector depends on facilitating farmers.
Khawaja Izhar-ul-Hassan lamented the existence of godowns in Sindh for 15 years, pointing out the government’s ongoing incurring of rental costs. Additionally, he highlighted the issue of wheat damage by rodents before distribution.
He advocated for farmers to harness the benefits of solar technology, subsidies, and other facilities to uplift the agriculture sector. Emphasizing the importance of implementing the National Food Security Policy to benefit farmers, he acknowledged the potential for future amendments.
Independent MNA Abdul Latif called for the removal of middlemen’s commissions in wheat purchases and urged the exposure of the mafia behind such practices. He demanded prompt responses from the relevant minister to lawmakers’ queries, emphasizing the need to prioritize the resolution of farmers’ issues.
PML-N legislator Begum Tehmina Daultana underscored the pivotal role of agriculture in uplifting the country, affirming the government’s dedication to strengthening the agricultural sector. She assured that relief measures for farmers would be prioritized in the budget, highlighting the current government’s sincere commitment to this cause.