Women in Pakistan’s agricultural sector are facing severe adverse health effects from toxic pesticides and significant wage disparities, receiving half the pay of men for the same work, a reality that has prompted a call for a comprehensive national strategy to protect their well-being.

This appeal was made by Senator Krishna Kumari while addressing a ceremony today at Sindh Agriculture University, organized by the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International.

Senator Kumari emphasized that women agricultural workers are key to the country’s development and food security but face numerous challenges, including adverse health impacts from pesticide use.

She cited the legacy of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, whose initiatives for women’s empowerment are being continued by the Sindh government. The senator noted that provincial measures to make women self-reliant include better access to education and health, skills training, income support schemes, the Pink Bus Service, and the provision of free Pink Scooties.

Sindh Agriculture University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal, also expressed these concerns, stating that the wage gap is a violation of women’s rights. He said that women work alongside men in farming and livestock rearing but are unfairly compensated.

Dr. Siyal detailed the university’s efforts to combat this imbalance, stating that the institution is giving preference to women in admissions and employment. He added that more scholarship seats have been allocated for female students to reduce financial barriers to education.

Habibullah Asad, head of CABI’s Tando Jam office, said the event was organized to pay tribute to these hardworking women, who perform the bulk of tasks from cotton cultivation to picking.

Deputy Director of Agricultural Research Sanaullah Solangi and other speakers also addressed the ceremony. In a panel discussion, Kausar Mukhtiar of the Women Protection Cell Mirpurkhas, Advocate Nusrat Miano, Professor Dr. Tahseen Fatima Miano, and Dr. Shabana Memon discussed the social role of women, the challenges they face, and potential solutions.

The post Female farmworkers face severe wage disparity and health risks: Senator Krishna Kumari appeared first on PPI News Agency.