LAHORE (Finale)The Pakistan Farmers Alliance has strongly rejected the federal budget, criticizing the government for what it described as a failure to address the challenges facing the country’s agriculture sector.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, Chairman Khalid Hussain Bath said the budget ignored the concerns of millions of farmers despite agriculture remaining a key pillar of Pakistan’s economy. He expressed disappointment that the finance minister did not give significant attention to farmers and agricultural development during the budget presentation.
Bath argued that neglecting agriculture amounts to neglecting Pakistan’s economic future, as the sector supports food security, exports, and rural livelihoods. He said farmers had expected meaningful relief measures in the budget, particularly on major agricultural inputs that have become increasingly expensive.
According to the Farmers Alliance, no substantial relief was announced on fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, diesel, or electricity—five areas that directly affect farming costs and productivity. The organization believes that without targeted support, farmers will continue to struggle with rising expenses and shrinking profit margins.
The alliance warned that if the government fails to announce subsidies on fertilizers and diesel by June 30, farmers across the country could launch protest demonstrations. Leaders of the group said they are prepared to mobilize growers nationwide to press for their demands.
Bath maintained that Pakistan’s farmers are capable of driving economic growth and strengthening agricultural output in the coming fiscal year if provided with adequate support. He also pledged to expose what he described as corrupt elements that have contributed to difficulties within the agricultural sector.
In a strong message to policymakers, the Farmers Alliance chairman said farmers would continue their struggle for what they consider their rightful share of government support and warned that large-scale protests could take place if relief measures are not announced before the end of June.
