Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has doubled the loan limit under the Kissan Card scheme from Rs150,000 to Rs300,000 and announced a subsidy of up to 95 percent for the solarisation of agricultural tube wells. Speaking at a ceremony at the Kala Shah Kaku Rice Research Institute, she also unveiled an SMS and helpline system to assist farmers without Kissan Cards.
She revealed plans to provide subsidised green tractors to 20,000 farmers next year and to establish agricultural machinery rental centres in every tehsil. Maryam Nawaz congratulated farmers on the success of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos and praised the performance of government institutions.
The chief minister highlighted a significant reduction in inflation, noting vegetable prices had dropped sharply. She emphasized the government’s support for farmers, assuring them protection from losses and direct subsidies of Rs5,000 per acre for wheat cultivation. She said 85 percent of Kissan Card loans have been repaid.
Maryam Nawaz said the government is working to reduce costs related to seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, electricity for tube wells, and diesel. She projected a 30 to 40 percent increase in cotton production this year due to early sowing and assured farmers of ongoing government support to address their difficulties.
The chief minister launched the wheat farmers’ scheme during the event by distributing tractors and cash grants, while also inspecting the latest Chinese tractors.
