Punjab govt. promotes itself instead of helping farmers: MKL

LAHORE: Markazi Kisan League (MKL) has strongly criticized the Punjab government’s agricultural policies, alleging that government officials are pressuring farmers to record promotional videos praising government initiatives instead of providing genuine relief. The league said the ground reality was completely different, as soaring prices of diesel, fertiliser, seeds and agricultural inputs have pushed production costs beyond farmers’ capacity.
MKL Chairman Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali Olakh said the Punjab government’s efforts appeared focused on publicity rather than meaningful support for farmers. He said repeated increases in petrol and diesel prices had significantly increased farmers’ financial burden. Rice cultivation requires regular irrigation, with many farmers relying on diesel-powered tube wells. Rising diesel prices have therefore severely affected production costs. He also expressed concern that restrictions on urea sales could adversely affect crop yields, while prices of seeds, fertiliser and pesticides continue to rise.
He said the Punjab government had repeatedly failed to ensure timely wheat procurement and a fair support price. This year, millions of farmers were forced to sell their produce at low prices, further worsening their financial difficulties.
The MKL chairman demanded an immediate farmers’ relief package, reduction in diesel and agricultural input prices, uninterrupted availability of urea, timely government procurement of wheat and effective implementation of the support price.
He warned that continued focus on publicity instead of genuine farmer relief would adversely affect agricultural production, food security and the national economy.