Sindh CM unveils Rs55b relief package for farmers | The Express Tribune

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced a major Rs55 billion relief package for farmers, setting the wheat support price at Rs3,500 per 40kg and offering subsidised fertilizer to small growers to ease the burden of rising cultivation costs.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, he said the provincial government planned to procure between 0.8 and 1.2 million tonnes of wheat during the 2025–26 harvest season. Under the new package, small farmers will receive one bag of DAP and two bags of urea per acre at subsidised rates.

The CM said the initiative aims to ensure timely fertilizer supply, promote transparent wheat procurement, and guarantee prompt payments to growers to sustain their interest in cultivation and strengthen food security.

Shah said the government was committed to fair compensation for farmers, emphasising that the support price protects them from exploitative middlemen and market fluctuations.

Read More:Farmers to get Rs3,500 per maund as govt approves wheat policy 2025–26

He added that although the province initially recommended Rs4,000 per 40kg, the Sindh government accepted the federally approved rate of Rs3,500 to deliver immediate relief to growers.

He credited PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s efforts for helping the province secure federal approval despite IMF constraints, calling it “a success that underlines the power of coordinated negotiations within fiscal limitations.”

The chief minister further announced that the proposed threefold increase in agricultural income tax had been deferred, with the previous 15 per cent rate restored. He said this decision was based on “the genuine financial pressure” faced by small farmers.

Highlighting last year’s achievements, Shah said the 2023–24 wheat procurement drive helped stabilize the market, prevent flour shortages, and reduce costly imports.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to balanced agricultural development and economic stability, noting that the food and agriculture departments were working closely to achieve these goals.

Law and order, Afghan repatriation policy

Responding to a question about security, Shah said the government was focused on maintaining law and order in both urban and rural areas, addressing two key challenges: dacoit activity in the interior and street crime in cities.

He said police modernization, better training, and improved coordination were underway to strengthen the force’s capacity.

Regarding the federal government’s decision on Afghan repatriation, the CM said there was now “national consensus” that all Afghan refugees must return home. The Sindh government, he assured, would fully implement the federal policy to ensure an orderly and lawful process.

Shah also directed the Sindh chief secretary to coordinate with his Punjab counterpart over the inter-provincial movement of certified seed and instructed health and municipal authorities to intensify anti-dengue fumigation campaigns across the province.