Pandemic, locust batter agriculture sector
Farmers suffered heavy losses as lockdowns disrupted supply
DESIGN: IBRAHIM YAHYA
The pandemic delivered a heavy blow to many sectors of the economy but the agriculture sector may have been the only one hit with the dual threat of Covid-19 and locust infestations. While on the one hand rains lashed across the country, unfavourable weather conditions on the other caused substantial damage to many crops.
This was not the only trouble facing the sector, as negligence of authorities to promote research and development also hampered growth.
An integral part of Pakistan’s economy, agriculture contributes over 19% to GDP and employs about 39% of the country’s total labour force, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. Not only this, the sector also has a significant share in the country’s exports.
A woman picks up a carton of cooking oil at a store. Increase in ghee and cooking oil prices is forcing many consumers to buy these items on a ‘as needed’ basis instead of bulk buying as part of monthly grocery.
KARACHI: Rising prices of raw materials in local and world markets are causing extensive price pressure on various essential commodities, either edible or those used as raw material or fuel in industry. Rising demand as well as escalating global prices are driving the phenomenon.
The wholesale price of sugar has crawled up by Rs5 per kg in the current week despite frequent imports by the private and public sector.
Farmers call for halt in tomato import
Say price of commodity in local market has fallen, making production unviable
KARACHI:
Farmers have requested the government to halt the import of tomatoes in a bid to protect local producers of the country.
“The import of tomatoes has continued unabated during the last few months,” Sindh Abadgar Board (SAB) Senior Vice President Mehmood Nawaz Shah told The Express Tribune.
“The harvest season of tomatoes in Pakistan is in full swing and production is increasing day after day.” He added that due to the high amount of output, prices in the local market have dropped to an extent that it is becoming unviable for growers to keep producing tomatoes.