Punjab CM announces Rs3,500 per maund wheat procurement

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the immediate commencement of wheat procurement at Rs3,500 per maund and the provision of free gunny bags worth Rs6 billion for farmers across the province. Registered farmers will be provided 10 bags of gunny sacks per acre from the purchase centers.

Chairing a special meeting to review wheat procurement, gunny bags distribution and the Green Tractor Scheme, the chief minister directed that procurement from farmers be started without delay. Free gunny bags for farmers

It was decided in principle that wheat would be purchased on a priority basis from farmers holding Kissan Cards.

She further ordered that payments to farmers must be ensured within 72 hours of procurement at the fixed rate of Rs3,500 per maund. Strategic management committees will be established at provincial and divisional levels to monitor the procurement process.

The meeting was informed that 88 per cent of farmers have expressed confidence in the provincial government’s agricultural initiatives.

The CM also announced the launch of the “Work with Punjab Government” programme, under which agriculture graduates and others will be offered internship opportunities.

Officials briefed the meeting that a record Rs100 billion in loans has been disbursed through the Kissan Card, with a recovery rate of 99pc, while nine lakh farmers have been registered under the scheme. The chief minister directed authorities to continue the registration process.

Green Tractor Scheme

It was further shared that under the Green Tractor Scheme, a target of 30,000 tractors had been set, out of which 20,000 have already been delivered to farmers. The scheme, along with agricultural mechanisation, is contributing to the growth of the local industry, with local manufacturers in Daska actively engaged in producing harvesters.

The chief minister reiterated that farmers would not be left unsupported, adding that sustainable agricultural development was being ensured and that, by the grace of Allah, the province has achieved a real agricultural revolution within two years.