Hyderabad: The Sindh Chamber of Agriculture (SCA) has shown dissatisfaction over the increase by Sindh government in the purchasing rates of sugarcane. The provincial government raised the buying rate to Rs425 per 40 kilogrammes ( a hike of 41 per cent). However, the SCA recorded reservations about the decision.
According to details, the chambers held a meeting, presided over by its President Syed Meeran Muhammad Shah in Hyderabad. During the meeting, the members demanded the Sindh government to align the purchase rate more closely with the farmers’ expectations and revise it to Rs450 per 40 kg.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) administration executed an unprecedented 41 per cent increase from Rs302 per 40 kg and also announced the revised rate unusually early.
However, the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture representatives from the farming community demand a Rs25 per 40 kg addition to the purchasing price as they believe that the adjustment would help farmers maintain a marginal profit and offset cultivation costs.
Syed Meeran Muhammad Shah believes that the increase is necessary with the growing inflation and substantial increases in pesticide, fuel, seed, fertiliser, and agricultural machinery. He also demanded action against dealers who sell fertiliser to farmers at exorbitant prices and do not comply with government-notified prices.