Punjab government announces ‘historic’ support package for farmers

Package includes Punjab Kisan Bank, CM Punjab Green Tractor Scheme, and Oilseed Promotion Programme

LAHORE:

A major initiative to provide easy loans to farmers through the establishment of the Punjab Kisan Bank was announced on Friday, Express News reported.

The decision came during a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif. Detailed briefings on the Kisan Package were provided to both leaders.

The meeting also reviewed the implementation of solar-powered tube wells and the drip irrigation system, both critical components of modernising Punjab’s agricultural infrastructure.

A comprehensive package for farmers was unveiled, which includes the Punjab Kisan Bank, the CM Punjab Green Tractor Scheme, local manufacturing of harvesters and agricultural equipment, and the Oilseed Promotion Programme.

The CM Punjab Green Tractor Scheme was approved, with Maryam Nawaz rejecting a proposal for a 0.6 million subsidy on tractors. Instead, she mandated a 70% subsidy on small tractors and a 50% subsidy on large tractors. On Nawaz Sharif’s suggestion, the number of tractors available under the scheme was increased by 10,000.

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Maryam Nawaz instructed that the first phase of the Green Tractor Scheme be completed within a year and committed to providing additional tractors annually under the scheme.

The chief minister also greenlit the High-Tech Mechanisation Programme, promoting local manufacturing of advanced agricultural equipment in collaboration with foreign companies.

The proposal to offer incentives to these companies was discussed to enhance the technological capabilities of Punjab’s agricultural sector.

Additionally, the approval was granted for the Oilseed Promotion Programme, encouraging different regions of Punjab to cultivate oilseeds.

“For the first time, a farmer package worth 400 billion rupees is being introduced in Punjab,” said CM Maryam Nawaz. “Through the Kisan Card, farmers will receive agricultural inputs, along with other benefits and facilities. Our top priorities include the prosperity of every farmer and boosting agricultural production.”

The meeting saw the presence of senior officials, including Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Provincial Ministers Sohaib Ahmed Malik and Syed Ashiq Hussain, Special Assistant Rashid Nasrullah, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, and Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Sahoo.