BySindh approves the Agricultural Income Tax Bill 2025, excluding livestock. Experts warn of rising food prices, while concerns over IMF influence persist.
The Sindh cabinet has taken a significant step in taxation by approving the Agricultural Income Tax Bill 2025. This move, however, comes with evident reluctance as the provincial government navigates economic reforms under external pressures. The bill is set to take effect in January 2025, as announced by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. He emphasized that the decision to impose an agricultural tax aligns with national interests, even though concerns persist within the provincial government.
Livestock Sector Exempted from Taxation
A major exclusion in the bill is the livestock sector, which remains untaxed. CM Murad clarified that the Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) will oversee the collection of agricultural income tax, taking over from the Board of Revenue (BOR). This shift is expected to streamline tax collection and enforcement. To address potential financial burdens on farmers, the government has announced that tax adjustments will be made in cases of natural disasters. Additionally, fines will be imposed for concealing cultivated land to ensure compliance and transparency.
Provincial Concerns and IMF Influence
Despite this landmark decision, tensions remain between the Sindh government and the federal authorities. The provincial cabinet expressed its dissatisfaction over not being consulted during negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). CM Murad has vowed to raise this issue once again with the federal government. The IMF has consistently advocated for an agricultural income tax as part of its broader economic reform agenda. Last year, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb indicated that the necessary legislation would be completed by January 2025, with tax collection beginning from July 1, 2025.
Economic Implications and Revenue Projections
Economic analysts estimate that the government, with provincial cooperation, could generate up to Pak Rs. 300 billion annually from agricultural income tax. However, concerns persist regarding the economic impact of this taxation. CM Murad has cautioned that imposing this tax could lead to increased prices for essential commodities, including vegetables, wheat, rice, and other grains. The price hike could place an additional burden on consumers, particularly in urban areas where food inflation is already a significant concern.
Future Considerations and Industry Response
As the implementation date approaches, stakeholders from the agricultural sector are likely to demand further clarity on tax rates, exemptions, and enforcement mechanisms. While the bill represents a major policy shift, its execution and economic implications will determine its long-term viability and impact on Sindh’s agrarian economy.
