By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Punjab’s Minister for Agriculture, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, has said that agricultural development and the prosperity of farmers are top priorities of the Chief Minister Punjab. He stated that the revolutionary programs launched by the current government are already showing remarkable results across the province. However, he pointed out that some elements are trying to twist the facts and create confusion about these historic initiatives.
The minister highlighted that within just one month of assuming office, the Chief Minister launched agricultural development projects worth Rs. 400 billion — a record-breaking step in Punjab’s history. These include the distribution of interest-free loans through the Kisan Card, provision of thousands of subsidized tractors under the Green Tractors Program, and up to 60% subsidy on modern agricultural machinery, among several other initiatives.
He further added that this is the first government in Pakistan’s history where no fertilizer shortage has been witnessed. Fertilizers are readily available in the market at prices even lower than the official rates. The government has successfully eliminated artificial shortages, hoarding, and profiteering from the fertilizer market.
Kirmani clarified that, although all provincial governments stopped official wheat procurement this season under IMF conditions, Punjab stood apart by giving direct cash support of Rs. 14 billion to small wheat farmers — a bold and farmer-friendly move.
Within just two months, the government has disbursed over Rs. 85 billion in interest-free loans to help farmers purchase fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, and diesel for the Kharif season. Farmers have already utilized Rs. 45 billion of this for agricultural input purchases, which has significantly boosted crop productivity.
He went on to mention the landmark programs introduced this fiscal year, including Rs. 200 billion in interest-free loans via Kisan Cards, 20,000 subsidized tractors, solarization of 10,000 tube wells, and setting up of 10 model agriculture malls. Moreover, the government is recruiting 2,000 young agriculture graduates to provide field-level technical support, upgrading irrigation watercourses, and launching a Rs. 30 billion plan to distribute advanced farming equipment.
The minister concluded by revealing that the Punjab government is working on a comprehensive plan to reduce the cost of wheat production. The goal is to make the next wheat crop more profitable for farmers and to ensure they receive a fair price for their produce.
