Green tractors scheme relaunched

CM seeks to learn from USAID to fight climate change, pollution

LAHORE:

Conducting digital balloting of the CM Punjab Green Tractor Programme to relaunch a scheme initiated by former premier Nawaz Sharif after a lapse of 12 years, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said her government wants to enter a modern era of mechanisation of agriculture in the province.

She said subsidy worth Rs1 million would be given on each tractor to 9,500 farmers under the scheme.

The chief minister inspected four types of tractors to be given to the farmers.

After the balloting, Mohammad Yasin of Okara was the first farmer to get a 'green tractor'.

The chief minister was informed that 339 farmers in Okara, 111 in Chakwal and 276 in Dera Ghazi Khan will get green tractors under the scheme.

The names of all winners in the balloting have been displayed on the portal of the CM Punjab Green Tractor Scheme and the website of the Agriculture Department as well as its offices.

The CM announced that 1,000 green tractors would be given to wheat growers on 25-50 acres of land free of charge through balloting.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also expressed interest in benefiting from USAID experience based on green energy and modern technology to cope with climate change and environmental pollution.

The chief minister met USAID Mission Director Veeraya Kate Somvongsiri, US Consul General Kristin Hawkins and USAID Punjab Chapter representative Arisha Bano. Matters pertaining to mutual interest, Pakistan-US relations and promoting ties in various sectors were discussed. It was agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, climate change, renewable energy, women's economic empowerment, health care and education.

The CM said on the occasion that 'pink buttons' have been installed and virtual police stations established for the protection of women. Internship programmes are being conducted for skilled human resource.

She added, "Partnership between Pakistan and US is crucial for regional peace and development."

She said, "Pakistan is safer and peaceful than the past..Pakistan has achieved great success in the war against terrorism and extremism."

Ways to enhance investment opportunities keeping in view future requirements were considered during the meeting. Opportunities to improve relations between the people of the two countries were also discussed.

The chief minister also announced while congratulating the Hindu community on Diwali that a virtual police station would also be established for the minorities. A special Minority Card for the communities will also be launched on December. 20.