Punjab govt announces historic Kisan Package to support farmers: Details inside

LAHORE: In another initiative, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday unveiled a historic package ‘Kissan Package’ to provide easy loans to farmers.

The decision came during a meeting presided over by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif. Both leaders were given a comprehensive briefing on the Kissan Package.

During the meeting, a comprehensive package for farmers was announced which includes Punjab Kissan Bank, Green Tractor Scheme, manufacturing of harvesters and agricultural tools at a local level along with the Oil Seed Promotion Program.

The meeting also reviewed the implementation of solar-powered tube wells and the drip irrigation system, both critical components of modernizing Punjab’s agricultural infrastructure.

CM Punjab Green Tractor Scheme

The Chief Minister Punjab Green Tractor Scheme was approved, with Maryam Nawaz ordering a 70% subsidy on small tractors and a 50% subsidy on large tractors. On Nawaz Sharif’s suggestion, the number of tractors available under the scheme was increased by 10,000.

CM Maryam Nawaz ordered the completion of the first phase of the Punjab Green Tractor Scheme within one year with an increase in the number of tractors under the scheme every year. 

In addition to that, the Chief Minister of Punjab approved that farmers possessing land from six acres to 50 acres would be eligible to apply for the Punjab Green Tractor Scheme.

For that, the meeting decided to establish a Punjab Kissan Bank to grant loans to farmers on soft terms.

Punjab High-Tech Mechanisation Programme

Maryam Nawaz also ordered a high-tech mechanization program to be prepared at a local level with the collaboration of international companies that will manufacture harvesters and other tools in Punjab.

The proposal to offer incentives to these companies was discussed to enhance the technological capabilities of Punjab’s agricultural sector.

Additionally, the approval was granted for the Oilseed Promotion Programme, encouraging different regions of Punjab to cultivate oilseeds.

“For the first time in the history of Punjab, the Rs400 billion Kissan Package is being granted. The farmers, besides being granted agricultural revenue, will also be given other privileges and facilities through the Kissan Card,” Maryam Nawaz said.