KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced a Rs55 billion relief package for farmers, setting the wheat support price at Rs3,500 per 40kg and offering subsidised fertilizer to small growers to help reduce rising cultivation costs.
Speaking at a press conference, Shah said the Sindh government plans to buy 0.8 to 1.2 million tonnes of wheat during the 2025–26 season. Under the package, small farmers will receive one bag of DAP and two bags of urea per acre at subsidised rates.
The chief minister said the scheme aims to ensure timely fertilizer supply, transparent wheat procurement, and quick payments to farmers, helping maintain their interest in cultivation and ensuring food security.
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He added that while Sindh initially proposed Rs4,000 per 40kg, the government accepted the federally approved rate of Rs3,500 to provide immediate relief to growers.
Shah praised PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for helping secure federal approval despite IMF restrictions, calling it a “successful coordinated effort within fiscal limits.”
Shah also announced that the earlier plan to triple the agricultural income tax has been deferred, restoring the previous 15 percent rate due to the financial strain on small farmers.
Highlighting past efforts, he said the 2023–24 wheat procurement drive stabilized the market, prevented flour shortages, and cut costly imports. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fair farmer compensation, balanced agricultural development, and economic stability.
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On the law and order situation, Shah said the government was addressing dacoit activity in rural areas and street crimes in cities through police modernization, better training, and coordination.
Regarding Afghan repatriation, he said there was a national consensus that all Afghan refugees should return home, and Sindh would fully implement the federal policy to ensure an orderly process.
The CM also directed the chief secretary to coordinate with Punjab over the inter-provincial movement of certified seeds and ordered health and municipal authorities to intensify anti-dengue fumigation across the province.
