Punjab Farmers Protest Wheat Prices and Government Crackdown
Tensions are at peak in Punjab, Pakistan as farmers are protesting against the government over wheat pricing and what they claim is government oppression. Chaudhry Hassib Anwar Chairman of Pakistan Kissan Ittehad has criticized the forceful crackdown on peaceful protests by saying that Hundreds of farmers have been arrested.
Farmers Demand Fair Wheat Prices
Anwar said that the main demand was to ensure the purchase of wheat at the announced price of 3,900 Rs per 40kg by the government. He also mentioned the increase in production costs which becomes 1.5 times that’s why the current price is not enough.
Farmers are afraid of the market price falling more than the set rate, causing them heavy loss. Anwar gave an example that wheat is being sold at 3,100-3,200 rupees per KG. If farmers bare such loses its mean they will not be able to invest in the next crop which will definitely put pressure on food security in the country.
Government Accused of Mishandling Wheat Crisis
Anwar holds the government’s policies responsible for the wheat crisis, more specifically he talked about the import of wheat from the private sector Anwar said that despite having enough domestic wheat production and reserves, the import policy of the government has artificially escalated prices and created an environment where farmers are unable to sell their produce at a fair price.
Fear of Arrests and Future Protests
Anwar, while talking about the threat of arrest had already said that the farmers would continue their protests till their demands are fulfilled. He was disappointed by the government’s response and said that it clearly shows that how the peaceful farmer protests are handled with power and on other hand no action has been taken yet against the responsible people for the wheat crisis.
Anwar told that he is in touch with the food Minister and other officials continuously but still the solution is not coming out as concrete. He also said farmers are ready to talk positively and they can solve any issue with the government if both side will find a common point.
He, however, warned if their issues are not resolved by the government the farmers will be forced to stop the production of wheat and this can have serious impacts on the country’s food supply.