‘Farmer-friendly initiatives yielding results’

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has said the steps taken for the betterment of farmers have started yielding positive results to develop the agriculture sector on modern lines.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the CM expressed satisfaction that the record harvest of wheat, sugarcane and other crops has been achieved in 2020-21.

The 40-kilogramme support price of wheat and sugarcane has been ensured at the rate of Rs1,800 and Rs200, respectively, he said. Meanwhile, 2.09 million tonnes of wheat, 57 million tonnes of sugarcane, 56.82 lakh ton potatoes, 1.95 million tonnes of green gram, 7.85 million tonnes of maize crop, 5.3 million tonnes of paddy and 90,000 tonnes of sesame crops have been produced in Punjab, Buzdar added.

“It is satisfying that the maiden agri policy has been approved and being implemented in the province,” he appended.

“Furthermore, 147 new crop varieties have been approved by Punjab Seed Council and 146 new grain markets are registered under Punjab Agricultural Marketing Regulatory Authority Act,” he said.

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“Farmers' platforms have also been set up in 105 agri markets across Punjab. The government is paying Rs1.5 billion premium to the insurance companies for crops' insurance and the subsidy amounts were being directly transferred to farmers' accounts due to the launch of Kisan cards,” he mentioned.

While highlighting the PM Emergency Programme, the CM affirmed that the work was in progress on numerous agri projects valuing Rs300 billion. Around Rs12.5 billion subsidies are given on fertilisers along with Rs4.4 billion subsidies for the purchase of certified seeds and agri machinery. Similarly, farmers are given a Rs65 million subsidy for buying laser land levellers in addition to the provision of interest-free loans costing Rs45 million through an e-credit scheme, he said.

It is satisfying that farmers have earned an additional income of Rs3 billion due to the restoration of barren lands in various parts of the province.

“A sum of Rs3.62 billion is reserved for purchasing the latest drip or sprinkler system with the facility of 60% subsidy, he disclosed.

Similarly, Rs42 million is allotted to install the solar system with the facility of a 50 per cent subsidy,” concluded the CM.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th, 2021.