Taxing agriculture
SAD though it may be, it is far from surprising. As reported by this newspaper yesterday, the latest but as yet unpublished agriculture census finds that up to 80 per cent of the people in the country’s farming sector own just 28 per cent of all privately-owned agricultural land. Add to this the Federal Statistics Division’s finding that there are a little more than 19,000 big landlords with holdings of over 150 acres. While they constitute just 0.23 per cent of the total number of landowners, their share nearly equals that of the 67 per cent of farmers who own up to five-acre holdings and are categorised as the poorest in the farming sector. The bland statistics obfuscate one of the most serious disconnects in the country. Whichever sector is examined, be it agriculture, healthcare, education or practically any other, the elite — who constitute a fraction of the overall population — are using up the overwhelming bulk of the available resources. In plain terms, the minority appropriates what the majority needs to pull itself out of its misery.
Such a trajectory can be seen in any inequitable society at any point in human history. And yet, this is the very underlying trend that must be countered if there is ever to be any hope for Pakistan’s faceless, nameless millions. For decades the country has flirted with the idea of imposing taxes on the agricultural sector so that the economy as a whole can benefit. The effort has met with little success, given that in many cases the elements that have the power to bring about a veto are the very ones that have large and lucrative stakes in agricultural land and the related economy. Will a government ever have the will to bring agriculture into the tax net? That remains a moot point.
No body should pay any tax until and unless these rich landlords pay their taxes.
I am sorry but we don't tax agriculture and home owners. Only poor should pay taxes so rich can live lavishly.
When the UN Special Ambassador Angelina Jolie visited Pakistan after the earthquake; and two back to back floods in Pakistan. She mentioned that she was invited by Leaders and Politicians to their house and she was shocked to see So Much Wealth but Pakistan was begging from the World for Aid whereas their OWN did not Give a PAISA.
Shame on them and their status as MUSLIMS.
Elect a leader who is not a feudal lord and yet strong, like Jinah. May I suggest a name? Imran Khan!
Land Management is key to taxing agriculture. Without a solid land management system, it will just be a tax code on statute books evaded by big landlords. There is such a huge informal economy out there that even if we want to impose tax, we won't know whom to tax
Tax reforms which tap the rich and pay the poor needs an egalitarian outlook! For this Pakistan needs a mass based socialist party in power with adequate majority ! I cannot think of any, other than PPP with the required credentials! I am afraid the wind is blowing the other way in Pakistan now!
A rigorous but just taxation system for all the stake holders of the country including agriculture, is the basic need for the development of the country. However, in the present situation, where the overall feudal control neutralises everything for the feudal interests, is a bane for the country's interests.
Every household engaged in agriculture should pay taxes if the income goes above a set limit. Taxing them individually will not work as the big land owners will fragment the land and put it in the names of their family.It will require herculean will power to enforce the law.
The elite — who constitute a fraction of the overall population — are using up the overwhelming bulk of the available resources. In plain terms they are the United States of Pakistan.
Once again, the essence of Capitalism is the avoidance of taxation. How the money grows and grows.
"If you are in debt my man, you can sell me your land at any time. Keep my business card."
When I was serving for an International Organization in a Gulf state, we were joined by a Swiss Executive. When he received his first salary, he went to his country's Embassy. When we asked reason for visit, "to pay tax", he said , and
each month he did until he repatriated. All the agencies and countries financially helping Pakistan have decried that
tax collection system in Pakistan is very poor. 98% don't pay – including our Heads – says Imran Khan. Three cheers !