India is giving subsidies to its farmers of around $100 billion yearly, and supports around 30 crops, according to Doctor Tariq Bucha, Farmers Associates of Pakistan president. PHOTO: FILE
“We are not against trade with India, but we have to make our sector first in order to compete with Indian agri market”, said Doctor Tariq Bucha, Farmers Associates of Pakistan president.
India is providing subsidy to its farmers of around $100 billion yearly, and supports around 30 crops, whereas in Pakistan wheat is the only crop which enjoys government support, Bucha said while talking to The Express Tribune. On the contrary, Pakistan’s total agricultural production is $50 billion per year and the subsidies given by the government are less than 1% of GDP.
The Pakistani farmer has to give an input tax of up to 19%. The Indian government gives subsidies on major inputs like electricity, diesel, urea, freight, whereas Pakistani farmers have to bear the brunt. Lack of government support, lack of policy especially after the 18th Amendment, and very little research on enhancing crop productivity is what Pakistani farmers are facing, he added.
The Sindh Abadgar Board, in a recent meeting to review the impact of NDMA on Pakistan Agriculture sector, also stated that a comparative analysis of agricultural industry of both countries will be sufficient in clarifying that asymmetry exists in the subsidies that are extended to the farmers in both countries. The board also added that urea in India is Rs650 per bag which is around Rs1,094 in Pakistani currency. In Pakistan, cost for the same bag ranges from Rs1,786 and Rs3,600 respectively.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 14th, 2014.
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Pakistani farmers can be benefited by import of urea from India ( price difference is approx. PKR 692 per bag). Even after adding the cost of freight, 8% Import duty (this may be waived if deem fit) and intermediary expenses urea thus available will be much cheaper comparing with the local producers and help reduction of input cost and consequently the prices of grains.Eventually the local producers will be compelled to improve the efficiency to be competitive. this will ultimately help Pakistani Industry and the society.
Every thing, other than religion, is hurting Pakistan.
India should discuss this matter with Saudi Arabia and get their approval. Then Pakistan can't refuse Saudi orders. If Pakistan can compete with China, why can't it compete with India.
"The board also added that urea in India is Rs650 per bag which is around Rs1,094 in Pakistani currency. In Pakistan, cost for the same bag ranges from Rs1,786 and Rs3,600 respectively."
Can't Pakistani farmers buy Indian urea bags? ...see Trade can easily become a great leveler.
The difference between pakistan and India in farming is that, In India there is a large population which is vegetarian unlike pakistan. Hence Indian Govt to give subsides is very justified.Our farmers need to produce vegetables, Cereals,Pulses, Grains apart from Rice,Wheat etc.Infact I would say, we have still not realized our potential.If we adopt mordern farming techniques like irrigation,better fertilizers and cold storage we can become "Food bowl of world".
Pakistani Farmers must quit farming and join Production lines or go to Saudi Arabia. The Land for farming should be given to Indian Farmers on Contract,who will come to make produce, and we can share from it,50% produce for the farmers and other 50% to be shipped back to India or exported through the Indian regulator.