Wheat Farmers’ Relief Policy
Wheat Farmers’ Relief Policy: In a major step towards strengthening agriculture and supporting small-scale farmers, the Sindh Government has announced a Rs55.8 billion Wheat Farmers’ Relief Policy. This initiative, described as a “historic step” by Sindh Agriculture Minister Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mehar, aims to offer much-needed financial relief to wheat farmers owning 1 to 25 acres of land across the province.
This move is expected to benefit more than 411,000 small farmers and play a vital role in improving food security, reducing dependency on wheat imports, and boosting the local economy.
Relief Package Details
Under the Wheat Farmers’ Relief Policy, each eligible farmer will receive Rs24,700 per acre to support wheat cultivation. The package covers the distribution of DAP fertilizer and two additional bags of urea, which will be provided in phases:
- DAP Fertilizer will be distributed by November 2025.
- Two Urea Bags will be given to each farmer after January 20, 2026, once the cultivation is verified.
This financial support aims to reduce the input costs for farmers and ensure the timely and adequate sowing of wheat crops.
Who Will Benefit?
A total of 411,408 small-scale farmers in Sindh who own land up to 25 acres will benefit from this policy. The Sindh government has ensured a transparent registration process through the following systems:
- Benazir Hari Card database
- CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card)
- Land Revenue Records
This multi-layered registration process aims to ensure that genuine farmers receive the benefit without any delays or complications.
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Monitoring and Implementation
To ensure smooth implementation and prevent any delays or misuse, monitoring committees will be formed at provincial, district, and local levels. Additionally:
- The government has cancelled 90-day leaves for agriculture officers.
- All agriculture offices will remain open on Saturdays to support farmers during the distribution process.
- An online control center will be launched to track and monitor the entire process digitally.
These steps show the government’s commitment to a clean and effective rollout of the scheme.
Preventing Misuse and Ensuring Transparency
To prevent the misuse of subsidized fertilizers, all fertilizer bags will be clearly labeled “Not for Sale”. The government has also laid out strict penalties to avoid corruption and ensure fair distribution:
- Farmers misusing the relief will face a five-year ban from future subsidy schemes.
- Companies violating regulations will be blacklisted.
- Officials found guilty of maladministration will face disciplinary action.
These measures are designed to protect the integrity of the policy and make sure that help reaches the right people.
Online Registration: benazirharicard.gos.pk/form1.php
Political Support and Background
This initiative is being launched under the directives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, highlighting the party’s continued focus on farmer welfare. Minister Mehar noted that Sindh is the only province continuing to provide farmer subsidies despite financial restrictions imposed by the IMF.
During a press conference, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon emphasized the policy’s broader impact. He stated that the relief is not only for farmers but will also benefit agricultural laborers and poor communities, creating a ripple effect across rural Sindh.
Memon also recalled a similar successful initiative in 2008 under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari, which helped Pakistan become a wheat-exporting country. He stressed that such farmer-friendly policies are crucial to ensuring food security and warned that ignoring local farmers could force the country to rely on expensive wheat imports.
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Why This Policy Matters
The Wheat Farmers’ Relief Policy comes at a time when farmers are struggling with rising input costs, uncertain weather conditions, and global economic pressures. By providing direct financial assistance and monitoring its usage closely, the Sindh Government is not only easing the burden on small farmers but also investing in the country’s food future.
This relief package is expected to:
- Boost wheat production in Sindh
- Lower the risk of food shortages
- Improve the livelihood of small-scale farmers
- Support agricultural laborers and rural economies
- Strengthen food independence for Pakistan
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