Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a major relief package for farmers, announcing a wheat support subsidy of Rs 5,000 per acre that will benefit 600,000 farmers across the province. The subsidy will be provided through the Kissan Card program, with the significant inclusion that even farmers not currently registered under the scheme will be eligible to receive the financial assistance.
During a high-level meeting to review agricultural initiatives, the CM revealed that billions of rupees in additional subsidies would be allocated for the upcoming crop season, demonstrating the government’s strong commitment to supporting the agricultural sector. Officials reported that farmers have already utilized Rs 36 billion through the Kissan Card facility to purchase essential agricultural inputs, with 60% of the allocated loans already disbursed to beneficiaries.
The program has shown promising results, with farmers having repaid Rs 22 billion of the loans obtained through the scheme. The government has now initiated the second round of payments to support farmers in the new crop cycle. Verification processes are underway, with about 50% of applications received for the wheat support program already authenticated.
In a move to expand the program’s reach, the meeting reviewed proposals to extend eligibility to land contractors in addition to traditional landowners. The Chief Minister also examined progress on the agricultural tube well solarization scheme, part of broader efforts to modernize Punjab’s farming sector through sustainable energy solutions.
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