CM announces interest-free loans for small growers

Says crop insurance scheme on cards to cover farmers against natural perils

KARACHI:

Sindh government is planning agricultural interest-free loans to small growers, said Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at the launch of Benazir Hari Card (BHC) presided over by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at the CM House on Monday.

"Provincial government will cover the interest on these loans, making it easier for small-scale farmers to access the financial support they need to enhance their agricultural activities," he said.

Most of the small farmers, to their detriment, were dependent on money-lenders for cash to buy input or the middlemen in the wholesale markets who extended give cash for seeds, fertiliser and such, and purchase crops in advance.

"This interest-free loan initiative aims at supporting and empowering small farmers, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of the agricultural sector in Sindh," the CM said and added under this scheme, growers would only be responsible for repaying only the principal amount.

He added that his government was also working with an insurance company to ensure the crops so that growers could be saved from financial loss in case of any natural calamity like floods, heavy rains or fire. "This crop insurance facility would also be tied with the BHC holders," he disclosed.

He said that the agriculture department has registered 1.5 million haris who were being issued cards today.

"Our farmers are the backbone of our economy and crucial to ensuring food security," Shah said, emphasising the importance of the agriculture sector in Sindh and across Pakistan. He urged stakeholders to work together to build a resilient future where farmers thrive, and the nation's food supply remains secure.

Minister Agriculture Mohammad Bux Khan Mahar and Secretary Agriculture Rafiq Buriro in a briefing to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said BHC offers immediate financial assistance for small growers to meet urgent cash needs. It provides low-interest credit to help farmers access the capital required for farming activities, priority access to high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and other essential crop inputs.

Moreover, BHC holders will get preference in the government's wheat procurement process.

Other facilities include financial aid for purchasing modern agricultural machinery and tools, support for installing solar-powered tube wells and lining watercourses, ensuring efficient water usage and boosting agricultural output.