KARACHI, Nov 6 (INP-Wealth Pakistan): About 320,000 farmers have registered for the Sindh Wheat Growers Support Program, launched to raise wheat output, support incomes, and reduce dependence on costly imports.
Registration extended for more growers
The Director General of the Sindh Agriculture Department said that the registration deadline has been extended from October 31 to November 10, 2025, to allow more farmers to benefit. Scrutiny of applications has started, and the first disbursement will take place in Larkana during the second week of November.
Assistance for small farmers
Under the program, farmers owning between one and 25 acres of land will receive cash support. Each eligible farmer will get money for two DAP fertilizer bags at Rs1,400 each and two urea bags at Rs4,000 each per acre of cultivated land. So far, 321,000 farmers have applied, and 188,000 have been verified. The target is to support 411,000 farmers across Sindh. Verification is being done through the Benazir Hari Card database, bank accounts, CNICs, and land records.
Background of the initiative
The Wheat Growers Support Policy was announced in September 2025 under Sindh’s agricultural relief plan. Officials describe it as a landmark step to offer direct financial help after the withdrawal of federal support prices for wheat, rice, and sugarcane under IMF conditions. Despite tight finances, the Sindh government decided to continue supporting farmers through its own budget.
Oversight and awareness
Committees at provincial, district, and local levels are monitoring registration and payments to ensure transparency. Awareness campaigns on TV, radio, and social media are encouraging more farmers to register before the new deadline.
Financial scope and timeline
Wheat is cultivated on 2.26 million acres in Sindh. The government has allocated Rs58 billion for the program under the Wheat Cultivation Initiative 2025–26. The Agriculture Department plans to complete DAP distribution by November 8, 2025, while urea will be given from January 20, 2026, after crop verification.
Implementation and impact
To ensure smooth operations, the department has canceled all staff leaves for 90 days and directed offices to remain open on Saturdays. Officials said the initiative would help boost productivity, reduce import needs, and strengthen food security.