According to some media reports, production of wheat, maize and rice went down 30 percent this year, while cotton production declined 45 percent, mainly due to hike in prices of farm inputs. Also, the cost of production for farmers has gone beyond their reach. Previously, electricity tariff was around Rs5.40/unit, now it is Rs15/unit. Similarly, DAP price has gone up to Rs3,800/bag from Rs2,300 while urea was up to Rs2,300/bag from Rs1,200/bag.
If the incumbent government wants to uplift the agricultural sector and its share in the GDP before the end of the ongoing finance bill of 2019-20, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) should reduce the prices of fertiliser, electricity, and diesel for farmers. The government needs to give urgent consideration to the issue so that agriculture can get an impetus and growers can play an active role in boosting the country’s economy.
Khan Faraz
Peshawar