News Desk
Bhit Shah, Sindh – February 2024
Thousands of farmers gathered in Bhit Shah, Sindh, for the National Farmers Conference, protesting against corporate farming initiatives and proposed canal projects on the Indus River. The conference, organized by the Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee (PKRC), brought together farmer leaders from Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and the Saraiki region, who voiced strong opposition to government policies affecting agriculture and water resources.
Participants at the conference rejected the construction of six new canals and corporate farming projects, calling for an immediate halt to these initiatives. Resolutions passed at the event demanded the restoration of the Indus River’s natural flow and an end to further dam construction, citing concerns over water distribution and environmental degradation.
The “Green Pakistan” initiative was criticized as an anti-farmer policy, with speakers arguing that it primarily benefits large corporations while displacing small farmers. Agricultural taxes were also opposed, with protestors labeling them an attack on the farming community.
Criticism of Government Policies:
Farmers’ leaders condemned the government for allegedly bowing to International Monetary Fund (IMF) demands, accusing it of selling national resources and undermining Pakistan’s agricultural sector. The 26th Constitutional Amendment and the PECA Amendment Bill were rejected, with critics claiming they were intended to suppress dissent. The ARSA Act, which regulates water resources, was also opposed, with accusations that it facilitates the sale of Sindh’s water to foreign companies.
Speakers, including Awami Tehreek President Advocate Wassand Thari and PKRC General Secretary Farooq Tariq, argued that policies marketed as an “Agricultural Revolution” were in reality efforts to displace farmers and transfer land to foreign investors. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was accused of betraying Sindh by supporting these projects, with critics warning that continued mismanagement of water resources could turn the province into a desert.
Demand for Water Rights and Land Reforms:
Farmers at the conference also opposed the Cholistan and Greater Thal Canal projects, demanding that Sindh receive its rightful share of water. Calls were made for an international tribunal to investigate alleged water theft from Sindh and compensate the province for its losses. Protesters also demanded the return of lands acquired for projects like Bahria Town and DHA City, urging legal action against those involved in land acquisitions.
Resolutions and Key Demands:
The conference concluded with several key resolutions:
Halt Corporate Farming & Canal Projects: Immediate suspension of corporate farming initiatives and new canal constructions.
Restore the Indus River’s Flow: Protection of the river’s natural course and prevention of further dam construction.
Implement Land Reforms: Distribution of 4.8 million acres of land to landless farmers rather than foreign or military-affiliated entities.
Repeal Anti-Farmer Laws: Abolishment of the ARSA Act and PECA Act.
Compensation for Flood Victims: Minimum Rs. 1 million in aid for victims of the 2022 floods.
Climate Justice: Demands for climate finance from wealthy nations to address environmental damage.
Tax Reforms: Imposition of a super tax on the wealthy while reducing direct taxes to 10%.
Legal Rights for Indus River: Inspired by Canada’s Magpie River, participants called for the Indus River to be granted legal rights to flow freely.
Agricultural Support: Affordable loans, modern equipment, and fair pricing for crops like wheat, sugarcane, and rice.
Protection of Sindh’s Cultural Heritage: Prevention of encroachments on historical and cultural sites, including Keenjhar Lake, Karonjhar Hills, and Manchar Lake.
The event also featured cultural performances, with Sindhiyani Cultural Group and national artists using music to highlight the challenges faced by the farming community.
The conference concluded with a call for unity among farmers nationwide, urging collective action to resist corporate land acquisitions and safeguard agricultural resources.