Nationwide protests erupt against corporate farming, canal construction, and wheat pricing policies
On Sunday, farmers across Pakistan took to the streets to protest against corporate farming, the construction of six new canals, the lack of a minimum wheat support price, and the proposed privatisation of the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO).
Organised through the Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee (PKRC), demonstrations have been held in 30 cities and cities, inclusive of Islamabad, Lahore, Bahawalpur, Rajanpur, Jhang, Kacha Khu (Khanewal), Bhakkar, Jatoi, Shikarpur, Larkana, Sukkur.
PKRC has launched a nationwide campaign against corporate farming practices, the controversial canal projects, and the government’s refusal to set a minimum support price for wheat. Addressing a gathering in Kacha Khu, PKRC Secretary General Farooq Tariq condemned the leasing of 1.7 million acres of farmland to corporate entities. He argued that this move threatened to displace small farmers, dismantle local food systems, and prioritise corporate profit over sustainability and social justice.
Tariq called for comprehensive agrarian reforms, including legislation on land ownership rights, regulation, and redistribution, in line with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas.
PKRC women’s leader Riffat Maqsood demanded a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs4,000 per 40kg of wheat, along with public procurement and storage. She emphasised that MSPs are crucial in protecting farmers from market volatility and ensuring fair competition.
Speaking at various protest sites, other leaders also voiced their concerns. Mahar Ghulam Abbas highlighted the farmers’ peaceful resistance in areas like Kot Addu, Arifwala, and Hasilpur, vowing to continue the struggle. He urged Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to reinstate the special committee previously formed to address farmers’ issues.
Pakistan Kissan Ittehad President Zulfikar Awan warned against the eviction of farmers and threatened resistance against any contractor or new land allottee attempting to take over farmlands.
In Bahawalpur, Razia Khan and Farooq Ahmad rejected the government’s plan to construct six canals over the Indus River to support corporate farming in the Cholistan region. Similar sentiments were echoed by Saiema Zia in Lahore, Ali Khoso in Shikarpur, and Haidar Butt at other protest events.
The widespread mobilisation underscored growing discontent among farmers over land policies, food security, and economic justice in rural areas.
