Farmers call for ‘agriculture emergency’ in Balochistan

Quetta saw a press conference by Kisan Ittehad Chairman Khalid Hussain Batth, who urged the government to declare an agricultural emergency in Balochistan. He blamed deteriorating security conditions and poor policies for harming farmers and the rural economy. Batth expressed worry over the loss of life among businessmen, civil society members, security personnel, and government employees.

He stressed the importance of agriculture to the country's food security and economy, highlighting that farmers produced wheat, rice, vegetables, fruits, and other commodities. The Kisan Ittehad leader criticized flawed government policies that had increased farmers' difficulties over the past few years, leading to higher flour prices and struggling farmers and consumers.

He demanded the removal of restrictions on agricultural inputs and an end to the practice of dual citizenship among officials involved in policy decisions. Batth claimed that the security situation in Balochistan was extremely tense, with no major highway being considered safe, and criticized the provincial administration for failing to improve the situation.