LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the Punjab Kisan Bank as well as the Green Tractor Scheme for farmers to grant them soft loans and help them improve their production.

She turned down a proposal for disbursement of Rs600,000 subsidy on a tractor and directed the officials to give 70pc subsidy on a small tractor and 50pc on a big tractor. On a proposal, the number of tractors under the Punjab Green Tractor Scheme has been enhanced by 10,000.

Ms Maryam directed the officials concerned to complete the first phase of the Punjab Green Tractor Scheme within a year. It was also decided to increase the number of tractors under this scheme every year. The owners possessing land from six to 50 acres will be eligible to apply in the tractor scheme.

The decisions were made during a meeting presided over by the CM here.

Farmers to get 70pc subsidy on small tractors, 50pc on big ones

Maryam Nawaz also approved a high-tech mechanisation programme being prepared for collaboration of international companies with the local companies to manufacture harvesters and other tools in Punjab. The proposal to grant incentives to the international firms for manufacturing the latest agricultural tools was reviewed in the meeting.

Approval to launch an oil seed promotion programme in Punjab was also granted under which the farmers would be persuaded to produce oily edibles in various parts of the province.

Speaking on the occasion, the CM said a Rs400bn Kissan Package was being granted and the farmers would be given other privileges and facilities through this card.

“The prosperity of every farmer along with enhancement in agricultural production is part of our foremost tasks,” she declared and said that the launch of solarization of tube wells and drip irrigation system was also reviewed in the meeting.

Meanwhile, the chief minister issued directions to ensure implementation of the Ruda master plan and halting the illegal sale and purchase of its land.

It has been decided to collaborate with China and other international companies for the completion of Ruda projects.

The meeting decided to enhance the forests in the Ruda area from 20 to 35pc. It agreed with the proposal to build an airport of international standards in the Ruda twin city project, cleaning of the river Ravi and river expansion to more than 1,000 metres.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2024