Punjab Green Tractor Scheme phase-III begins, eligibility criteria announced

LAHORE: The Punjab state has, at last, settled upon the various qualifications that the farmers who would like to be part of the third round of the Chief Minister of Punjab Green Tractor Scheme, which is directed at the improvement of agricultural machinery, need to meet.

The Director of Agriculture Extension, Chaudhary Khalid Mahmood, remarked that each applicant has to be a permanent resident of Punjab, having a valid Computerized National Identity Card.

Additionally, only those farmers who have proven ownership of lands with a minimum area of five acres or more can be the ones applying for financial assistance under this scheme.

He pointed out that those farmers who were given subsidized tractors under the first and second phases of the Green Tractor Scheme, or were the beneficiaries of the Wheat Incentive Program, are not allowed to apply again.

He also mentioned that farmers with outstanding dues under the Kisan Card scheme would not be granted any eligibility either. The Department of Agriculture will check the ownership of land and the verification of the applicant’s identity using the documents from the revenue office and actual field verification.

The tractor will be registered in the name of the applicant for a minimum period of three years; the applicant will not be allowed to sell it during this time, as it is strictly prohibited by the authorities.

Chaudhary Khalid Mahmood further announced that the successful applicants will be determined through a digital lottery conducted by the department.

The farmers selected will be required to pay the amount of Rs. 500,000 as their contribution, along with registration, card, transaction, and number plate fees, within the time limit specified in the allotment letter.

He further stated that the farmers will have the option of selecting a tractor with horsepower ranging from 50 to 65. The government could withdraw the subsidy or reject the applications if the officials come across discrepancies during the verification of applicants, as the authorities will be implementing transparency and merit throughout the process.