Why Are Farmers in Balochistan Criticizing the Government for Solarisation Funds?
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Synopsis
Farmers in Balochistan are facing dire consequences due to the government's failure to provide promised solarisation funds. Kissan Ittehad Pakistan's Chairman highlights the impact on agriculture and calls for urgent action. Discover the plight of farmers in this vital region and the ongoing struggle for sustainable irrigation solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Farmers are struggling due to non-released solarisation funds.
- Disruption in electricity supply has severely affected agriculture.
- Government promises remain unfulfilled, leading to financial distress.
- Development initiatives for farmers are desperately needed.
- Solar energy could provide a sustainable solution for irrigation.
Quetta, Aug 17 (NationPress) The Chairman of Kissan Ittehad Pakistan (KIP), Khalid Hussain Bathh, has expressed his frustration towards the Balochistan government for failing to allocate funds to the farmers in the Nasirabad Division—the only agricultural zone in the province—for the transition of agricultural tube wells to solar energy, despite earlier commitments, as reported by local media on Sunday.
During a press conference on Saturday, he remarked that many tube wells have ceased functioning, leading to wilting crops and significant financial distress for farmers due to interrupted electricity supply, as highlighted by Pakistan's prominent daily, Dawn. He mentioned that authorities had assured funding for solarisation, but the sanctioned funds remain unreleased.
Electricity connections were cut off, and the supply was downgraded from three-phase to two-phase prior to any payments being made. He pointed out that tube wells are no longer operational, and water flow in the Rabi Canal has stopped, causing severe hardship for agriculture, livestock, and local communities.
The KIP Chairman indicated that crops have perished due to the lack of irrigation water, alongside a scarcity of drinking water. Following promises from the Balochistan Irrigation Minister, farmers planted crops, but the seeds perished due to insufficient water.
Bathh stated: "No developmental initiatives, including skill development centres, agricultural workshops, or programs for women farmers—who work alongside men—have been introduced to enhance their capabilities."
He urged the government to launch a solar energy program for farmers in the Rabi Canal, Nari, and Bolan regions, who currently rely on diesel generators for irrigation.
In February, the Green Kissan Ittehad (GKI) rejected the 35 percent tax on agricultural production in Balochistan and nationwide, implemented under the directive of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), labeling it a "cruel and anti-farmer measure."
While addressing a press conference, GKI President Agha Lal Jan Ahmadzai demanded compensation for farmers affected by the construction of the Quetta-Karachi Highway in areas such as Khuzdar, Kalat, Mangochar, Mastung, and Surrab, as reported by Dawn.
He noted that 75 percent of the Pakistani population is engaged in agriculture, providing fruits, vegetables, and other products, while contributing millions in taxes. Despite this, the agricultural sector in Balochistan is on the brink of collapse.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the challenges faced by farmers in Balochistan. The government's failure to fulfill its promises regarding solarisation funding not only jeopardizes agricultural output but also threatens the livelihoods of countless families. A strategic focus on agricultural sustainability is essential to ensure food security and economic stability in the region.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are farmers in Balochistan demanding?
Farmers are demanding the release of promised funds for solarising agricultural tube wells to ensure sustainable irrigation.
How has the lack of funds affected farmers?
The lack of funds has rendered tube wells non-operational, leading to wilting crops and significant financial losses for farmers.
What is the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in this context?
The IMF's directives have led to a 35% tax on agricultural production, which farmers have rejected as harmful to their livelihoods.
What initiatives have been lacking for farmers?
There have been no developmental initiatives such as skill development centers or agricultural workshops aimed at enhancing farmers' capacities.
Why is solar energy important for farmers?
Solar energy is crucial for farmers to operate tube wells sustainably, reducing reliance on diesel generators and ensuring consistent irrigation.
