Farmers will protest across country from May 10: KI chairman

MULTAN: Kissan Ittehad (KI) announced nationwide protests starting May 10 due to the government’s failure to buy wheat from farmers. Chairman Khalid Mahmood Khokhar expressed distress over the situation, saying farmers have no option but to protest. The plan includes symbolic prayers for agriculture followed by a march to Lahore, with farmers from all over the country joining. Tractors and livestock will accompany them to show the crisis’s widespread impact. Khokhar highlighted farmers’ massive Rs. 400 billion losses due to low wheat prices, blaming the government for favoring wheat importers over local farmers and causing a $1 billion loss in foreign exchange. He criticized the high prices of urea fertilizer, forcing farmers to pay more or resort to the black market. Khokhar demanded accountability for those responsible for farmers’ financial woes, blaming flawed government policies for the wheat crisis. He emphasized the lack of support for the agricultural sector and the severe disparity between wheat’s production and selling costs, severely affecting farmers’ lives. Khokhar lamented society’s neglect of farmers, who contribute significantly yet remain marginalized. He condemned policymakers for hindering agricultural development, noting the persistent gap between wheat production costs and market prices.