Punjab announces 10 farmer measures, including zero-markup loans up to Rs10m

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced 10 major measures for farmers during a meeting with representatives of small, medium and large growers from across the province. They include the province's first Apna Kisan Bank, cheaper loans, a higher Kisan Card limit and a special package for olive cultivation.

On loans, she announced zero markup on borrowing up to Rs10 million. Loans up to Rs30 million will carry 2 per cent interest and those up to Rs50 million 5 per cent. She said the government is providing Rs17 billion in subsidised agricultural loans.

The Kisan Card loan limit goes up by Rs3,500, from Rs30,000 to Rs33,500 per acre. She linked the increase to higher fertiliser prices. According to her, more than one million small farmers use the card, and the digital system ensures merit-based lending and reduces the role of middlemen. Steps are under way to include tenant farmers and leaseholders.

She said the government will implement the wheat support price of Rs4,500 per maund, in line with a decision taken under the prime minister. A wheat procurement plan and an online portal for digital processing will be launched soon.

On mechanisation, she said 25,000 tractors have been given on subsidy under the Green Tractor Scheme, with a plan to provide 50,000 in total. Rs70 billion is being allocated for high-tech mechanisation, and 1,500 agriculture interns, each paid Rs70,000 a month, are working in the field. Mobile soil-fertility and water-testing laboratories will also be introduced.

Agro-processing parks are being set up in Sargodha, Bhakkar, Khanewal and Okara for grading, processing and storage of crops including mangoes, kinnow and potatoes. On water, she announced continued action against water theft, canal desilting, lining of watercourses and 400 mini dams in the Potohar region.

She said Punjab meets about 70 per cent of the country's food needs. In livestock, 400,000 animals were fattened last year and the target this year is another 600,000. She asked farmers not to burn crop residue to help reduce smog, and said their proposals would be put into effect in phases. Farmers at the meeting welcomed the Kisan Card and the wheat support price.