By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Punjab’s fertile lands are poised for an excellent wheat harvest this year, driven by renewed farmer confidence under the Kissan Card initiative launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
The provincial government’s flagship programme has significantly improved farmers’ access to credit, inputs and technology, leading to a sharp rise in agricultural activity. Officials say loans worth Rs100 billion have so far been issued to farmers under the Kissan Card scheme, with Rs65 billion already utilised on the ground.
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A major portion of the funds has been spent on fertiliser purchases, as farmers invested Rs47 billion in fertiliser to ensure higher yields. The impact was most visible in December, when urea sales in Punjab touched a historic high of 1.356 million metric tonnes, the highest ever recorded in the province’s agricultural history.
According to official data, Punjab’s farmers purchased 37 per cent more urea fertiliser compared to the same period last year, reflecting increased confidence and preparedness for the ongoing wheat season.
Speaking on the progress of the programme, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the Kissan Card had not only changed the direction of Punjab’s agriculture but had also sown a “crop of confidence” in the fields. She said farmers now have capital, technology and accessible funds through the Kissan Card, enabling them to make timely investments.
Emphasising the broader economic impact, she said the development of farmers was essential for Pakistan’s overall progress, adding that a strong agricultural base would help stabilise the national economy and ensure food security.
With improved input availability and financial support, agriculture experts believe Punjab is on track for one of its strongest wheat outputs in recent years.
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