DERA GHAZI KHAN: The fields in Dera Ghazi Khan districts, which would wear a greenish-golden hue at this time of the season, are now dotted with the vibrant colours of rapeseed and canola crops, and green vegetables — a stark reminder of the challenges being faced by wheat growers who find the cultivation of the staple grain unfeasible because of government’s “unfriendly” policies.

In a significant shift in agricultural practices, farmers in DGK have drastically reduced wheat cultivation this season, opting instead for cash crops like rapeseed, canola, and vegetables.

Those opting for these alternative crops say they have been forced by the government’s “unfriendly policies” towards wheat cultivators, rendering the sowing of the staple grain increasingly unviable.

A farmer says that last year the government had failed to procure wheat from many farmers, leaving them without a reliable market for their “historical” bumper produce.

He further maintains that this year, the situation worsened as the government did not fix an attractive support price for wheat, further discouraging farmers.

Additionally, he says, the government has been unable to control the rising costs of agricultural inputs, adding to farmers’ financial burden.

He says the key agricultural input costs have skyrocketed, as farmers have to pay Rs14,000 for DAP, Rs55,000 for urea, Rs4,000 per hour for plowing, per acre to sow wheat, besides Rs1,400 per liter for pesticides, and Rs282 per liter for diesel. Moreover, they have to pay the high electricity rate for agriculture, he adds. These exorbitant costs have made wheat cultivation financially unsustainable for many farmers, he laments.

As a result, he says, the wheat sowing target for the DGK district, which was set at 900,000 acres, has been missed by nearly half. Farmers have instead turned to more profitable cash crops, which require less investment and offer better returns.

Agricultural experts warn that this trend could have long-term implications for food security and the local economy. They have urged the government to revisit its policies, provide better support prices, and reduce input costs to encourage farmers to return to wheat cultivation.

PROTEST: On the International Day of Rivers, local and indigenous communities, including women and children, held a protest on the bank of the Indus river and voiced their concerns at the river’s exploitation.

The gathering was organised by Sindhu Bachao Tarla, local fishermen and other organisations.

Speakers at the event, including Fazal Rab Lund and Khadim Hussain, emphasized the need to view rivers as living entities rather than economic resources.

They criticised projects like the ‘Green Pakistan initiative’, issuing a warning of severe ecological damage, including threats to the Indus dolphin and local ecosystems.

Amina Bibi highlighted the disproportionate impact of river degradation on women while Ismail Sheikh lamented the loss of cultural and spiritual ties to the river.

The gathering passed resolutions demanding an end to environmentally harmful new canals project and dam construction, urging the government to allow the river to flow freely.

A rally followed in which the participants were carrying placards, advocating for the river’s protection. The event concluded with traditional songs, dances, and prayers for the river’s survival.

The peaceful rally underscored the community’s commitment to preserving the Indus for future generations.

Published in Dawn, March 15th, 2025