Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced new financial support for farmers. The measures include the province’s first Apna Kisan Bank, low-interest agricultural loans and extra funds for buying fertiliser.
She made the announcements during a meeting with small, medium and large-scale farmers from across Punjab. The chief minister dedicated the meeting to farmers on her birthday.
What loan facilities will farmers get?
CM Maryam announced that farmers taking loans of up to Rs10 million through the PAVET programme will get interest-free financing.
Farmers can also get loans of up to Rs30 million at an interest rate of 2 per cent. Loans of up to Rs50 million will carry an interest rate of 5 per cent.
The CM also announced an increase in financial support for buying DAP fertiliser through the Kisan Card. The loan limit will rise by Rs3,500 per acre from Rs30,000 to Rs33,500.
The scheme is expected to benefit around one million farmers and cover five million acres. The government plans to spend Rs17 billion on this support.
What support will farmers receive for wheat and fertiliser?
CM Maryam said the government would ensure that farmers receive the announced wheat support price of Rs4,500 per 40kg.
She also announced interest-free loans worth Rs150 billion to support wheat cultivation.
The CM said more than one million small farmers were already benefiting from the Kisan Card. The card helps them buy essential farming supplies such as fertiliser, seeds and pesticides.
She added that the government had recovered almost 100 per cent of the loans. She described this as a sign of trust between farmers and the provincial government.
What steps will the government take to improve irrigation?
The Punjab government will continue its campaign against water theft to ensure that all farmers receive their fair share of irrigation water.
“Every field must receive water, whether the farmer is small or large, poor or influential,” Maryam Nawaz said.
She said the government would also remove silt from canals and line watercourses to reduce water loss. It will also expand the use of modern irrigation systems that use water more efficiently.
The CM said 400 mini dams had been completed in the Potohar region. The government plans to increase their number to 1,000.
She also announced a Potohar transformation package to promote olive farming and improve facilities for extracting olive oil.
What other schemes have been announced for farmers?
Maryam Nawaz said the government had already provided 25,000 tractors through subsidised schemes. It plans to offer a total of 50,000 tractors under the Green Tractor Scheme.
The government is also allocating Rs70 billion for modern agricultural machinery. The equipment will help farmers improve their work and manage crop residues.
The CM urged farmers not to burn leftover crops after harvesting. She said their cooperation was important for reducing smog and improving air quality.
The government has also introduced mobile laboratories to test soil fertility and water quality. These services will help farmers understand their land and improve crop production.
How did farmers respond to the announcements?
Farmers who attended the meeting welcomed the Kisan Card and other agricultural support programmes.
The event ended with CM Maryam Nawaz cutting a birthday cake alongside farmers. They also congratulated her on her birthday.
