Traders have been accused of setting rice prices at will, exploiting local farmers.

THATTA: Traders have been accused of setting rice prices at will, exploiting local farmers and causing widespread discontent among the community.

Farmers from different villages of Thatta District, accompanied by leaders from the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) – including Shahnawaz Brohi, Mir Muhammad Brohi, Shahjahan Brohi, Ghulam Qadir Brohi, Muhammad Qasim Khaskheli, Ishaq Brohi, Zahoor Qadir Lashari, Wadero Dad Muhammad Brohi, Waheed Rind, Suleman Jakhro, Haji Noor Muhammad Jokhio, Sahib Dino Mir Bahr, and Haji Shafi Muhammad Janwari – voiced their strong opposition to what they describe as price manipulation by rice traders.

The farmers allege that, as soon as the harvest began, traders conspired to artificially lower the prices of rice, badly affecting the livelihood of the agricultural community. They expressed frustration that neither the district administration nor the Sindh government has intervened to assuage their grievances.

“This is a calculated conspiracy to push farmers into further poverty,” one GDA leader stated. “It’s an act of great injustice, and the silence from the top officials is only worsening the situation.”

The farmers have urged the Sindh government and the district administration of Thatta to take immediate action. They called for an end to the arbitrary price-setting by traders and the establishment of fair market rates for rice.

They also demanded government subsidies for essential agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilizers to alleviate their financial burdens.

The farmers have warned that if their demands are not met, they will be forced to stage widespread protests across the district.

Published Date: October 1, 2024