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Business Recorder
21-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab's outdated mandi system hurting small farmers: think tank
LAHORE: Agriculture Republic, an agricultural think tank, has termed Punjab's mandi (market) system outdated and harmful to small farmers. While the Kissan Card initiative is a commendable step, the urgent need to reform agricultural marketing remains unmet. 'Introducing digital weighing systems, transparent auction processes, and digitized payment systems will ensure traceability, fair pricing, and greater farmer confidence. Additionally, developing storage and cold chain infrastructure at the tehsil level can significantly reduce post-harvest losses and help stabilize market prices,' said Agriculture Republic Co-founder Fawad Bajwa, while speaking to Business Recorder on Saturday. Bajwa highlighted that Punjab government's 2025 budget brings a renewed focus on agriculture, climate adaptation, and rural development, with Rs 80 billion allocated for agricultural development. He welcomed this as a positive step for Punjab's farmers, who remain on the frontlines of the climate crisis. He also praised the designation of Bahawalpur as a 'Cotton Valley,' which he believes will help revive cotton cultivation and foster a complete value chain— from production to processing — in southern Punjab. 'This model should also be extended to other regions with strong potential for high-value, export-oriented crops such as horticulture, pulses, and oilseeds,' he suggested. He further emphasized that while the budget's focus on mechanization and smart agriculture tools is encouraging, these must be integrated with climate-smart technologies, AI-driven monitoring systems, and machine learning to enhance forecasting, optimize yields, and improve water management. A portion of the Rs 2 billion allocated for climate change, he noted, should be directly applied to on-the-ground agricultural adaptation, particularly through community-based efforts to mitigate climate impacts. The budget also contains important proposals for improvements in livestock and fisheries—sectors with significant untapped export potential. The government's initiative to establish disease-free livestock zones and modern livestock markets aligned with international health and hygiene standards are critical for accessing premium global markets for dairy and meat products. Bajwa recommended that similar pilot zones be established in various agro-ecological regions of Punjab to promote decentralized growth and ease pressure on existing market hubs. Similarly, the emphasis on fisheries and aquaculture, especially through modern hatcheries and value chain development, can help diversify income opportunities in Punjab's water-rich districts. He urged the government to expand inland fish farming pilots, supported by cold chain systems and export facilitation, beyond a few select districts to generate local employment. Commenting on the broader vision of the budget, Aamer Hayat Bhandara, another co-founder of Agriculture Republic and a leading advocate for digital agriculture, said: 'Punjab Budget 2025 provides a solid foundation, but its real value will depend on the integration of agriculture, climate resilience, animal health, digitization, and cultural preservation.' He stressed the need to scale up pilot projects across Punjab's varied districts to ensure equitable growth, farmer prosperity, and long-term environmental sustainability. Bhandara also noted that while the budget's focus on urban beautification is welcome, the cultural and environmental significance of rural areas must not be neglected. He proposed launching Model Rural Villages under PHA across select districts—designed to celebrate Punjab's rich rural heritage through traditional architecture, local craftsmanship, and eco-friendly landscapes. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Budget boosts agri loans, but growth uncertainty remains
LAHORE: While the budget 2025 continues to present agriculture as the backbone of Pakistan's economy - contributing 24% to the national GDP - experts and stakeholders expressed concerns that real growth and resilience in the sector remain uncertain. The government has introduced several policy initiatives aimed at improving agriculture and strengthening climate resilience. These include an increase in agricultural loans from Rs 1,785 billion to Rs 2,066 billion, digital refinancing of up to Rs 100,000 for small farmers without collateral, and the establishment of the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority to support climate-compatible seed systems. In addition, the National Agriculture Biotechnology Policy and National Seed Policy 2025 are in the final approval stages, aiming to improve innovation, seed quality regulation, and private sector involvement in research and development, according to Aamer Hayat Bhandara, a progressive farmer and co-founder of Agriculture Republic. A National Agriculture Committee is also being formed to improve coordination between federal and provincial governments - acknowledging that agricultural execution primarily falls under provincial jurisdiction. However, the Economic Survey of Pakistan reported just a 0.56% growth rate in the agriculture sector which is considered 'disheartening' for a country where millions depend on farming. 'Despite agriculture being frequently mentioned in policy debates, the lack of a long-term, consistent strategy continues to hold back meaningful progress. Relying solely on policy announcements is risky - especially when climate change, water inefficiency, and weak farmer support remain unresolved,' said Bhandara. He emphasized that real change will come only when policies are implemented effectively and reach the grassroots level. Meanwhile, the Kissan Board Pakistan (KBP), a small farmer advocacy group, criticized the budget for ignoring the agricultural community. They argued that inadequate subsidies for crop procurement and indirect taxes on farming inputs would further strain farmers. KBP President Sardar Zafar Hussain Khan, General Secretary Dr. Abdul Jabbar Khan, and Secretary Information Haji Muhammad Ramzan, in a press conference, pledged to continue advocating for farmers' rights. They warned that unless agriculture is placed at the top of the national agenda, economic progress will remain limited. Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) President Khalid Khokhar and Aamer Hayat Bhandara also pointed out inconsistencies in tax policies. They called for the removal of the 18% GST on local cotton, arguing that it creates an unfair advantage for imported, tax-free cotton. Removing the tax would support local growers and help revive domestic cotton cultivation. Experts noted that climate change featured prominently in both the Economic Survey and the federal budget speech. The government has secured $1.4 billion through the IMF's Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, seed systems, and risk management. Encouragingly, no new taxes have been imposed on fertilizers and pesticides, protecting farmers from additional costs amid ongoing IMF reforms. However, the imposition of GST on solar energy technologies has drawn widespread criticism for threatening clean energy access in agriculture. For many smallholders, solar-powered tube wells, cold storage units, and off-grid irrigation systems remain the only viable options amid high electricity costs and climate challenges. Making these technologies more expensive, experts warned, could hinder the country's goals for climate adaptation in rural areas. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pakistan farmers' groups condemn India's military actions
LAHORE: Various farmers' organisations, including Kissan Ittehad Pakistan (KPI) and Agriculture Republic, have strongly condemned the recent Indian attacks on civilian areas in Pakistan, denouncing them as a flagrant violation of international law and a clear act of aggression against humanity. Commending the courage and professionalism of Pakistan's armed forces in responding to the provocation, these organisations voiced unwavering support for the military in its efforts to defend the nation's sovereignty and ensure the safety of its citizens. Central Chairman KPI Khalid Hussain Bath addressing a press conference on Wednesday asserted that while Pakistan is a peace-loving nation, any targeting of its children, women, and cities would not go unanswered. He reminded India of the past events, warning that its latest actions would become one of the greatest regrets in its history. Khalid Hussain Bath emphasised the full capability of Pakistan's armed forces to deliver a decisive response and expressed unwavering solidarity from the nation's 250 million citizens, including farmers, workers, youth, and elders, who stand united behind the military. 'As sons of the soil, we farmers are now standing guard at the borders, making it clear that attacking Pakistan is Prime Minister Modi's gravest mistake — one that will be remembered for generations,' he said. He concluded by affirming that the nation's prayers and sacrifices are devoted to its defense, and that the enemy would face a response not merely in rhetoric but through concrete action. Agriculture Republic Co-founder Aamer Hayat Bhandara while talking to Business Recorder said Indian aggression and water hostility pose a threat to peace, food Security, and climate stability. On the night between May 6th and 7th, 2025, India once again crossed all bounds of decency and international law by launching an unprovoked attack on civilian populations in Pakistan. This act of brutality, which caused the martyrdom of innocent citizens, reflects India's ongoing pattern of hostility - not just military, but environmental and humanitarian. This attack is not a standalone incident; it is rooted in a broader, long-running campaign by India to weaponise water against Pakistan. By attempting to manipulate transboundary river flows, New Delhi is threatening the livelihoods of millions of Pakistani farmers and agri-based communities. Such actions are a direct assault on food security and constitute environmental aggression - nothing short of climate terrorism, he added. 'Let it be clearly remembered: Pakistan is not defenseless. Our history proves our strength and preparedness. Like in past confrontations, the Pakistan Air Force successfully shot down India's advanced and costly French-made fighter jets - a powerful response that had exposed the Indian military's incompetence,' Aamer claimed. 'Today, we - farmers, labourers, business owners, and citizens - stand firmly with our nation's civil and military leadership. Our armed forces have both the capability and the nation's full backing to respond to any aggression with force, discipline, and unity.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Farmers' groups condemn India's military actions
LAHORE: Various farmers' organizations, including Kissan Ittehad Pakistan (KPI) and Agriculture Republic, have strongly condemned the recent Indian attacks on civilian areas in Pakistan, denouncing them as a flagrant violation of international law and a clear act of aggression against humanity. Commending the courage and professionalism of Pakistan's armed forces in responding to the provocation, these organizations voiced unwavering support for the military in its efforts to defend the nation's sovereignty and ensure the safety of its citizens. Central Chairman KPI Khalid Hussain Bath addressing a press conference on Wednesday asserted that while Pakistan is a peace-loving nation, any targeting of its children, women, and cities would not go unanswered. He reminded India of the past events, warning that its latest actions would become one of the greatest regrets in its history. Khalid Hussain Bath emphasized the full capability of Pakistan's armed forces to deliver a decisive response and expressed unwavering solidarity from the nation's 250 million citizens, including farmers, workers, youth, and elders, who stand united behind the military. 'As sons of the soil, we farmers are now standing guard at the borders, making it clear that attacking Pakistan is Prime Minister Modi's gravest mistake — one that will be remembered for generations,' he said. He concluded by affirming that the nation's prayers and sacrifices are devoted to its defense, and that the enemy would face a response not merely in rhetoric but through concrete action. Agriculture Republic Co-founder Aamer Hayat Bhandara while talking to Business Recorder said Indian aggression and water hostility pose a threat to peace, food Security, and climate stability. On the night between May 6th and 7th, 2025, India once again crossed all bounds of decency and international law by launching an unprovoked attack on civilian populations in Pakistan. This act of brutality, which caused the martyrdom of innocent citizens, reflects India's ongoing pattern of hostility - not just military, but environmental and humanitarian. This attack is not a standalone incident; it is rooted in a broader, long-running campaign by India to weaponize water against Pakistan. By attempting to manipulate transboundary river flows, New Delhi is threatening the livelihoods of millions of Pakistani farmers and agri-based communities. Such actions are a direct assault on food security and constitute environmental aggression - nothing short of climate terrorism, he added. 'Let it be clearly remembered: Pakistan is not defenseless. Our history proves our strength and preparedness. Like in past confrontations, the Pakistan Air Force successfully shot down India's advanced and costly French-made fighter jets - a powerful response that had exposed the Indian military's incompetence,' Aamer claimed. 'Today, we - farmers, labourers, business owners, and citizens - stand firmly with our nation's civil and military leadership. Our armed forces have both the capability and the nation's full backing to respond to any aggression with force, discipline, and unity.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
