RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government will distribute free cows and buffaloes among 400 women in the Rawalpindi district, so they can earn an income by selling milk.

EDO Agriculture Dr Arshad Latif told Dawn the agriculture department has completed a list of 400 widowed women who will receive the livestock.

“The provincial government set the criteria for the selection of widows from the district. Her child must be school-going and should not have another source of income,” he said.

Dr Latif said applications were sought from people at the union council level, and the qualifying candidates were compiled in a list.

Dr Latif also spoke about the kissan package, saying the government will distribute smartphones among farmers who will receive a loan under the programme, at a cost of Rs100 per phone.

“The mobile phone should be used to check weather updates and news on farming techniques, and provide updates about crops in their respective areas,” he said.

He added: “2,200 farmers were selected from the district so they could apply for an interest-free loan under the government’s kissan package.”

Under the package, a farmer can apply to register until Dec 15, and they can apply for a loan – particularly farmers who have 12.5 acres of land.

“Rs25,000 per acre will be provided for rabi crops, and Rs40,000 per acre for kharif crops,” Dr Latif said.

Published in Dawn December 21st, 2016