Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has increased the limit of loan through Kissan Card to Rs300,000 from Rs150,000 and announced a subsidy of up to 95 per cent on the solarisation of agricultural tube wells.
Addressing a ceremony at the Kala Shah Kaku Rice Research Institute, she also announced the launching of an SMS and helpline system for farmers who do not possess the card.
She announced that green tractors would be provided at subsidy to 20,000 farmers next year along with the establishment of agricultural machinery rental centres in every tehsil.
The chief minister also congratulated the farmers on the success of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos and commended the performance of all government institutions.
She added, "The reduction of inflation from 40% to almost zero is no less than a miracle. During my visit to Lahore, a woman congratulated me on the reduction in vegetable prices. Onions, which used to sell at Rs300 per kg in Punjab, are now available at Rs50." She said reduction in the flour and bread prices had benefited the people.
The chief minister said, "Those who tried to create a fissure between the farmers and the government failed miserably. The farmers of Punjab are benefiting from the historic package. The farmers did not listen to the baseless propaganda and grew wheat on my appeal. I assured the farmers to grow wheat without fear and the government would not allow any loss accruing to them."
She added, "Instead of support price of wheat, direct subsidy is being given to the farmers. I want to put all the resources at the disposal of our farmers, but some tough decisions need to be made to create a balance in the economy. A support worth Rs5,000 per acre is being given to the wheat farmers. The Punjab government is striving the utmost to reduce the cost of seed, manure, pesticides, electricity bills of tube wells and diesel."
She said 85% of the loans acquired through the Kissan Card had been repaid.
She maintained, "Earlier, green tractors were available during the tenure of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and now, when the government of Nawaz Sharif came to power once again, green tractors are being given to the farmers."
The CM said the growers were getting abundant fertilisers at reasonable prices.
She outlined, "Due to early sowing, cotton crop will increase by 30 to 40% and its production will be six million bales this year. The farmers do not be misled by anyone as the government will lend them complete support and will also redress their difficulties and grievances. The coming year will bring more improvement and prosperity."
The chief minister launched the scheme for wheat farmers by giving tractors and cash grant in the ceremony. She also inspected latest Chinese tractors on the occasion.
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