Farmers offered Rs400b package

CM announces Kisan Bank, Green Tractor subsidy, local production of equipment

LAHORE:

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a Rs400 billion package for farmers, including a Punjab Kisan Bank, Green Tractor scheme, local manufacturing of harvesters and agricultural tools along with an Oil Seed Promotion Programme.

The CM and PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif presided over a meeting in which a comprehensive briefing on the Kisan Package was given.

It was agreed in principle to establish a Punjab Kisan Bank for granting loans to the farmers on soft terms. Approval was also granted for the CM Punjab Green Tractor Scheme for the farmers.

The CM turned down a proposal for disbursement of only Rs600,000 in subsidy on a tractor.

She directed the authorities to give 70 per cent subsidy on small and 50% on big tractors.

On the proposal of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, the number of tractors under the scheme was increased by 10,000.

CM Maryam Nawaz called for the completion of the first phase of the tractor scheme within a year. It was also decided that the number of tractors offered under the scheme would be increased every year.

The owners of six to 50 acres of land will be eligible to apply in the Punjab Green Tractor Scheme.

The CM also approved a high tech mechanisation programme. International companies will manufacture harvesters and others tools in the province in collaboration with local firms.

A proposal to offer incentives to the international companies for manufacturing modern agricultural tools was reviewed.

Under the oil seed promotion programme approved in the meeting, the farmers will be persuaded to produce edible oil in various parts of the province.

The CM said, “For the first time in the history of Punjab, a Rs400 billion Kisan Package is being granted. Besides financial benefits, the farmers will also be given other privileges and facilities through the Kisan Card. The prosperity of every farmer along with enhancement of agricultural production is among our foremost tasks.”

Solarisation of tube wells and drip irrigation system were also reviewed in the meeting.

The participants were apprised that 47,000 farmers had gone through the registration process in 48 hours for acquiring the Kisan Card.

International airport

Presiding over another meeting along with the PML-N president, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the authorities concerned to ensure implementation of the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) master plan along with halting illegal sale and purchase of land in its area. It was decided to collaborate with Chinese and other international companies for the completion of RUDA projects. It wax decided in principle to enhance forest area in RUDA from 20 to 35%.

The participants also agreed to a proposal to build an airport of international standard in the RUDA twin city project, carry out cleaning of River Ravi and and expand it to more than 1,000 metres.

The chief minister called for ensuring implementation of the rules regarding prohibition of construction in the RUDA forest area.

A proposal to establish a special police force to check encroachments on the RUDA land was reviewed.

RUDA Chief Executive Officer Imran Amin said 117 billion gallons of water will be conserved in three lakes.

The groundwater of Lahore will be charged at 500 cubic feet per second due to development of lakes in the new city. In addition, 586,000 cusecs of water will be conserved through a barrage.

Eight treatment plants will be set up for cleaning sewerage water draining into the Ravi. Rurals settlements coming into the RUDA project will be made a Model Village.

PML-N President Nawaz Sharif said strict action should be taken against those creating obstacles in projects of Lahore.”

CM Maryam Nawaz said, “RUDA should ensure environmental protection in all its projects.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2024.