Within the fields of Punjab which is where the sun rises above vast fields of golden wheat, and the aroma of soil permeates the air in the morning A silent fear is rising in the farmers’ hearts. 2024 was a year that was more than just problems with weather or inflation. It was a year that shaken the foundations of the agriculture industry: The Agriculture Taxes Bill passed by the government of Punjab.

The bill for many signifies more than a mere policy change. It represents a reversal in the way Pakistan treat its very hard-working citizens-its farmers. their farmers. The hands who feed the nation are being called upon to contribute more, be paid more and impose more pressure on shoulders already burdened.

What is the exact purpose of this law? What are the new taxes being put in place? What is the most important thing to consider is how will this affect the farmer knee-deep the mud, trying to survive? Let’s get into this subject using facts, emotions, and optimism.

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On the surface On the surface, it appears that the Punjab Agriculture Taxes Bill 2024 is a legislative effort to raise revenue for the state through engaging in the agricultural sector which has historically had tax exemptions.

Although the goal is to achieve “fairness” and “broadening the tax net” However, reality is different from the women and men who work the soil.

Here’s the legislation’s proposal:

That is government is now attempting to treat agriculture as any other tax-paying business–a move that some view as a positive step, but others see as an act of denial to the people who provide food for the nation..

Let’s take it apart. The new law introduces two major agriculture taxes types:

1. Agricultural Income Tax

In the past, income from agriculture taxes are free or not taxed at all However, the tax system has changed.

2. Land-Based Tax

It is an permanent agriculture taxes type determined by the area and size of the area:

The largest responsibility is expected to be borne by:

Although rich landlords have accountants on staff and alter their finances, the common farmer might be burdened by the new pressures.

“Hum Pehle Hi Karzon my color hain doobe. Bijli mehngi, diesel mehnga, beej mehnga… ab yeh naya tax bhi? Zameen bech dein kya?”

“We are already sunk in debt. Electricity is costly Diesel is costly and seeds are costly… and now, we have a new tax? Should we let our land go?”

The words of one of the farmers near Sahiwal in Punjab. For decades, farmers have had to contend with increasing input costs, uncertain weather, poor support prices as well as middlemen’s abuse. The bill to tax agriculture for many, is the end of the line.

It’s not just a matter of policy, it’s an issue of survival.

The Punjab government claims that:

Finance officials emphasize the fact that “only those earning well beyond subsistence” will be affected. Additionally, the money earned will be reinvested into agricultural program development.

However, for many, these promises seem hollow due to the past’s failures to lift rural communities up.

When taxation becomes inevitable the following the fairness of taxation, educational and assistance must be included in the process.

Provide free legal and tax advice clinics for rural areas. Create a simple tax filing system that is available in Urdu and Punjabi Offer incentives to comply (e.g. subsidies, subsidy and loans at low interest) Introduce a graduated tax system that will benefit the poorest farmers. ensure transparency about how income is spent.

Dear readers, it’s the right time to ask:

Can we, as a country expect greater from our agriculturalists, without first standing alongside them?

The farmer is more than an individual citizen who pays taxes. He is the pillar of our country. The grain that is rice and every drip of milk each piece of roti — we are obligated to the people who’s lives are submerged in the earth.

If we have to tax then let us be educated, supportive and encourage not just take the money. If we have to reform then let us do so by the heart and compassion.

The Punjab Agriculture Tax Bill 2024 is a bold move. However, it must be balanced by compassion. 

When Pakistan makes this leap in its economic growth and a new direction, it should not step over the people who are the 240 million who feed its population.

The farmer is entitled to more than a tax bill. He is deserving of respect, acknowledgement along with reform.