Farmers in Sindh, Pakistan, have announced a boycott of wheat cultivation for the 2025-26 season in response to a 45% agricultural income tax imposed by the government. The Sindh Chamber of Agriculture (SCA), representing growers across the province, has labeled the tax as unconstitutional and plans to challenge it in court. The decision, made during a recent meeting in Hyderabad, reflects deep frustration over inadequate support prices and rising production costs, which farmers say make wheat farming unprofitable.
The SCA has urged farmers to shift to alternative crops like mustard, sunflower, and other oilseeds, citing low wheat prices that fail to cover cultivation expenses. Farmers argue that the tax, reportedly introduced under pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), exacerbates their financial struggles. They also highlighted a 40% drop in cotton production, with yields expected to fall below four million bales, further straining their livelihoods due to unmet price promises.
Sentiment on social media platforms like X echoes the farmers’ discontent, with posts emphasizing the tax’s burden on small-scale growers already grappling with market volatility. The SCA has called for exemptions similar to those granted to industrial sectors and encouraged farmers to register for the Benazir Hari Card to access subsidies. Leaders have warned that millions are prepared to face arrest rather than comply with the tax, signaling a broader resistance movement.
This boycott could disrupt wheat production in Sindh, a key agricultural region, potentially impacting food security and market stability. The shift to oilseed crops may offer temporary relief but raises concerns about long-term agricultural sustainability. The government faces mounting pressure to address these grievances and reconsider its tax policy to support farmers.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 23rd, 2025
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