Archive · 23 Jul 2025
Pakistan Farmers Threaten Wheat Boycott over New Tax
Farmers in Sindh, Pakistan, are upset about a new 45% income tax on their earnings.
They say it's unfair because they're already struggling with low prices for their crops and high costs for things like fuel and fertilizer.
The farmers, led by the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture (SCA), plan to fight the tax by not paying it and challenging it in court.
They are also threatening to stop growing wheat and switch to other crops like mustard and sunflower next year.
The farmers feel that the government is not supporting them and are comparing their situation to industrialists who receive tax breaks.
Sindh farmers threaten wheat cultivation boycott over a new 45% income tax.
The Sindh Chamber of Agriculture (SCA) views the tax as "unconstitutional, illegal and unethical."
Farmers are struggling with low crop prices and rising costs of inputs like diesel and fertilizer.
The SCA is instructing farmers not to pay the tax and plans to challenge it legally.
Farmers plan to switch to alternative crops such as mustard, nigella, and sunflower instead of wheat in 2025-26 season.
- Who
- Farmers of Sindh, Pakistan.
- What
- Farmers are protesting a new 45% income tax on farm earnings and threatening a wheat cultivation boycott.
- When
- The Sindh Chamber of Agriculture (SCA) met on July 22 to formalize their response.
- Where
- Sindh, Pakistan.
- Why
- Farmers say the tax is unfair due to low crop prices and rising costs, with the SCA claiming it was introduced under IMF pressure.
Farmers' Perspective
Government's Perspective
Taxation
Farmers' Perspective
The tax is unconstitutional, illegal, and unethical due to low crop prices and rising input costs.
Government's Perspective
The government views the tax as necessary, possibly under IMF pressure, but hasn't officially stated a position.
- Tax Rate
- 45% on farm earnings
- Chamber
- Sindh Chamber of Agriculture (SCA)
- Threat
- Boycott of wheat cultivation in 2025-26
- Alternative Crops
- Mustard, nigella, sunflower, and other oilseeds
- Cotton Output Decline
- 40%
- Diesel Price Increase
- PKR 22 per litre