Sit-ins jeopardise agri-exports

Business leaders, including exporters and traders, have expressed grave concern over severe disruptions to Pakistan's agricultural exports caused by ongoing sit-ins and road blockages on national highways. The protests stem from opposition to newly proposed canals on the Indus River.

Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Jawed Bilwani warned that the ongoing blockade near Babarloi town in Khairpur district has halted vehicular movement on the National Highway, severely disrupting transportation across Sindh and other regions. While acknowledging the constitutional right to protest, he stressed that prolonged blockades on key trade routes — especially those used for inter-city cargo and exports — have caused significant financial damage. Time-sensitive export consignments, particularly perishable goods, are at serious risk.

"The entire supply chain stands paralysed due to the road closures and sit-ins, with long queues of containers and commercial vehicles stranded at Rohri, Ali Wahan, and other key arteries," he said. "This not only disrupts internal trade but also threatens export commitments, damaging Pakistan's credibility in global markets."

He called on the government to facilitate dialogue with protesters while ensuring the continued flow of commercial and export cargo. "The situation is not only hurting businesses but also putting jobs and trade at risk at a time when the country faces severe economic challenges," he said.

Bilwani urged federal and provincial authorities to act swiftly to restore traffic on the national highway and protect economic activity. "The economic repercussions of this blockade are growing by the hour. We appeal for an immediate resolution in the interest of the economy and the public," he said.

Pakistan Fruits and Vegetables Exporters Association (PFVA) Patron-in-Chief Waheed Ahmed revealed that around 250 containers loaded with potatoes remain stuck on roads in interior Sindh. Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI) President Muhammad Saleem Memon wrote to the Sindh chief minister and Sindh Home minister, requesting urgent intervention. He reported hundreds of containers filled with export produce—destined for Middle Eastern and Far Eastern markets—stranded for days at Sindh's entry points.

"If these containers don't reach ports on time, export orders will be cancelled, and exporters could suffer losses worth millions of dollars," he warned. He explained that perishable goods like potatoes and fruits require specific temperature controls. Without access to power or generators, spoilage is highly likely. "This is not just a loss to exporters but also a severe financial blow to our farmers whose livelihoods are now under threat," he said.

He also noted that the business community had already endured significant losses due to a recent goods transporters' strike. The ongoing sit-ins have triggered another economic crisis. "Thousands of trucks and containers—some even used by law enforcement as roadblocks — are disrupting both domestic and international trade," he said. Memon proposed an emergency corridor policy for agricultural exports, allowing time-sensitive consignments to be escorted by security squads to ports without delay.

SAU conference highlights worsening crisis

Meanwhile, national and international experts at the First International Soil Science Conference have expressed concern over worsening agricultural conditions in Pakistan due to water scarcity, rising soil salinity, climate change, and declining organic matter. The conference, organised by Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) and the Sindh Higher Education Commission, was held under the theme "Soil – Our Silent Lifeline for a Prosperous Future."

SAU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Altaf Ali Siyal said poor water distribution, reduced river flows, unregulated chemical use, and declining soil fertility are exhausting even the most productive regions of Sindh. "Soil is the silent backbone of our existence. Yet, we have failed to protect this vital resource," he said. He urged a transition to sustainable agriculture, better cropping patterns, and modern irrigation methods.

Dr Mazharuddin Keerio, Director General of Agriculture Research Sindh, echoed these concerns. He emphasised that neglect of climate and soil health has led to a steep drop in productivity. He called for improved cropping technologies, more organic matter, and targeted soil restoration. Former DG Agriculture Research Prof Dr Qazi Suleman Memon highlighted the absence of comprehensive data on soil fertility and salinity. "Without accurate data, policymakers cannot make informed decisions," he said, urging the creation of region-specific soil maps.

Julius Gitonga Muchemi, Head of FAO's Sindh office, reaffirmed the FAO's commitment to supporting farmers in dealing with climate and land degradation. "We encourage modern farming techniques," he said, "but many farmers hesitate to adopt our research-backed recommendations." Dr Zakir Hussain Dahri, Director General of the Southern Agricultural Research Centre under the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, noted that large parts of Sindh — including the lower Indus basin — are severely affected by salinity and low organic carbon. Despite these issues, greenhouse farming contributes only 1% to national output, he added.

Conference Chair Dr Allah Wadhayo Gandahi warned that climate change, land degradation, and food insecurity are escalating rapidly in Pakistan. "It is essential to educate future generations about the importance of soil and land stewardship," he said. Conference Secretary Dr Muhammad Saleem Sarki reported that over 160 research papers were received, with experts from countries including Malaysia, China, Australia, Bahrain, and Turkey participating in online sessions.