Cabinet clears farmer reform law

KARACHI:

The Sindh cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, has approved the historic Sindh Farmers Agricultural Collectives Act, 2026, ordered strict action against wheat hoarding and initiated reforms to digitise the Food Department.

The cabinet also reviewed the draft National Wheat Policy 2026-2030 and approved several measures related to agriculture, inclusive education, prison security, revenue reforms, infrastructure development, Rescue 1122 welfare, fisheries monitoring and extension of Pakistan Rangers' deployment in the province.

Under the Sindh Farmers Agricultural Collectives Act, 2026, small farmers, livestock owners and fishermen will be enabled to collectively use land, resources and agricultural machinery, access financial resources and modern technology, and connect with more profitable markets.

The proposed law includes representation for women and transgender persons, transparent profit-sharing mechanisms and opportunities to participate in carbon credit and environmental service markets.

The cabinet also approved action against wheat hoarding after concerns were raised over rising flour prices. The Food Department informed the meeting that large wheat stocks were held by flour mills, traders and private hoarders, contributing to speculation and price increases.

As part of reforms, the cabinet considered establishing an Integrated Wheat Management System to digitise wheat procurement, storage, transportation and distribution. The chief minister directed the Food Department to accelerate the process and improve transparency.