Govt plans special relief package for drought-hit Thar farmers

KARACHI:

The Sindh government is preparing a special agricultural relief package for farmers in Tharparkar after drought conditions devastated nearly 90% of cultivated crops across the district, leaving thousands of growers facing severe financial losses.

Provincial Agriculture Minister Sardar Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar has directed the provincial agriculture secretary to immediately prepare proposals for the package to support affected farmers and help them resume cultivation.

Mahar said a detailed report by the Provincial Agriculture Department on the drought and crop losses across all seven talukas of Tharparkar had been submitted to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. On the basis of the report, Tharparkar had been declared a calamity-hit district.

According to the report, around 85% to 90% of cultivated crops across the district's seven talukas had either been destroyed or rendered unproductive, with overall crop losses estimated at nearly 90%. Only 10% to 15% of the crops had survived. The minister attributed the devastation to uneven and insufficient monsoon rainfall, particularly a severe shortage of rain in September. Crops including guar, millet, sesame and sorghum suffered extensive damage, while natural grasses dried up before reaching maturity.

The losses have dealt a severe economic blow to farmers as well as families dependent on livestock, he said. The proposed relief package may include per-acre financial assistance, support through the Benazir Hari Card, special subsidies on fertilisers and certified seeds, and financial assistance for cultivation during the upcoming Rabi season.

The government will also consider facilitating the repayment of agricultural loans and outstanding dues, providing possible concessions in agricultural taxes and reducing other financial burdens on affected growers.