SAHIWAL: Farmers have demanded the complete implementation of prime minister’s package for farmers.

Rizwan Iqbal, Pakistan Kissan Ittehd Punjab president, said at a gathering of farmers in Pakpattan by the district government on Saturday the package included the activation of local market committees to counter middlemen.

His other demands included soft agriculture loans for the farmers having less than five acres, provision of a subsidy on tubewells, fertilizers and seeds, Rs5.35 per electricity unit for farmers and abolition of sales tax on pesticides.

Mr Iqbal said lots had yet to be done for small and medium farmers. He said package had mentioned the provision of smartphones for progressive farmers.

District Coordination Officer Irfan Ahmed told Dawn the convention aimed at keeping the farmers aware about the agriculture package.

Mr Rizwan demanded small farmers be introduced with modern​​ scientific methods of farming.

Executive District Officer Irsahd Ahmed said farmers would get Rs164 billion benefits annually if the pack​age was implemented.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2016