ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) said that the country’s agriculture sector is facing a severe crisis that is hurting farmers and consumers alike, warning that poor government policies could push the country toward a food security emergency.
Addressing a joint news conference on Tuesday, PPP Central Secretary Information Nadeem Afzal Chan, along with Pakistan Peoples Labour Bureau In-charge Chaudhry Manzoor Ahmed, highlighted what they described as worsening conditions for farmers amid rising input costs, falling crop returns, and policy failures.
Nadeem Afzal Chan said people across the country are struggling with economic hardships, while agriculture — the backbone of Pakistan’s economy — is in distress. He said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan remain affected by terrorism and praised state institutions for successful operations against militants in Balochistan, reiterating that the PPP has always raised its voice against terrorism.
Focusing on farmers’ issues, Chan said the situation of growers is alarming. He claimed rice imports have fallen by 30 percent, and when wheat exports were initiated, the PPP warned that it would break farmers financially. “At that time, the Punjab government dismissed farmers as a ‘mafia’ and promised cheaper bread. Today, wheat and bread are more expensive — why?” he questioned, blaming flawed policies for the crisis.
He said farmers are ready to purchase urea, DAP fertilizer, and fuel at international prices, but alleged that the Punjab government is restricting farmers from freely selling their crops. He added that there are acute shortages and price instability in kinnow, potatoes, bamboo, maize, and vegetables, making even basic vegetables expensive for ordinary citizens. “Neither the farmer nor the public is benefiting,” he said.
He also referred to the positive impact of solar energy, saying it had reduced electricity costs and created jobs, but warned that broader economic relief is missing.
Answering a question, Chan said that despite being part of the ruling coalition, the PPP stands with the people first. “Farmers in Punjab are in trouble, and the PPP stands with them. We will raise this issue forcefully in the National Assembly and Senate,” he said, adding that if farmers’ voices are ignored, the party is ready to take to the streets.
Chan further warned that the conversion of agricultural land into housing societies poses a serious threat to national and food security. “If billions can be given in relief to housing societies, why is there no money for farmers?” he asked, criticizing the lack of a clear government policy to protect farmland. He said the agricultural crisis is also affecting shopkeepers and the textile industry, and vowed that the PPP would debate the issue in parliament. He also alleged that bureaucracy benefited more than farmers from funds allocated for flood victims.
Speaking at the news conference, PPP leader Chaudhry Manzoor Ahmed said labourers, farmers, salaried employees, and pensioners are unable to save money, claiming a “deep conspiracy” is underway against the agricultural sector. He opposed any move to shut down institutions like PASSCO, the NFC, and the Agricultural Development Bank, arguing that these bodies play a crucial role in supporting agriculture.
Chaudhry Manzoor questioned the current state of farming, noting that the cost of wheat seed has doubled from Rs2,000 to Rs4,000. He described potatoes as the biggest crisis crop at present, saying it requires the highest per-acre investment. He also alleged that sand from rivers is being sold not by farmers but by powerful mafias.
Answering a question, reiterating the party’s stance on public assets, he said the PPP had previously raised its voice against the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and would continue to oppose policies that harm workers and farmers.
The PPP leaders concluded by warning that unless urgent steps are taken to address the agricultural crisis, public frustration could spill onto the streets.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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