Historic Support Package for Farmers Announces Punjab Government 2024
In a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government announced a comprehensive support package for farmers. Detailed briefings on the Kisan Package were provided to both leaders during the session.
Key Components of the Support Package
The support package includes several significant initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural infrastructure and supporting farmers:
Punjab Kisan Bank
Objective: Provide accessible loans to farmers.
CM Punjab Green Tractor Scheme
Approval: Maryam Nawaz approved the scheme, rejecting a proposal for a Rs. 600,000 subsidy on tractors.
Subsidy: Mandated a 70% subsidy on small tractors and a 50% subsidy on large tractors.
Increase in Units: Following Nawaz Sharif’s suggestion, the number of tractors available under the scheme was increased by 10,000 units.
Timeline: The first phase of the scheme is to be completed within a year, with a commitment to provide additional tractors annually.
Local Manufacturing of Agricultural Equipment
High-Tech Mechanisation Programme: Approved to promote the local manufacturing of advanced agricultural equipment in collaboration with foreign companies.
Incentives: Discussed incentives for foreign companies to enhance Punjab’s agricultural technology capabilities.
Oilseed Promotion Programme
Objective: Encourage different regions of Punjab to cultivate oilseeds.
Commitment to Farmers’ Prosperity
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the government’s commitment to farmers’ prosperity and boosting agricultural production. She announced the introduction of a farmer package worth 400 billion rupees in Punjab. Through the Kisan Card, farmers will receive agricultural inputs along with other benefits and facilities.
Quotes from the Meeting
“For the first time, a farmer package worth 400 billion rupees is being introduced in Punjab,” said CM Maryam Nawaz. “Through the Kisan Card, farmers will receive agricultural inputs, along with other benefits and facilities. Our top priorities include the prosperity of every farmer and boosting agricultural production.”
READ MORE: Punjab Green Tractor Scheme Launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif
Attendees
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including:
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb
Provincial Ministers Sohaib Ahmed Malik and Syed Ashiq Hussain
Special Assistant Rashid Nasrullah
Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman
Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Sahoo
Conclusion
The Punjab government’s comprehensive support package for farmers underscores its commitment to enhancing agricultural infrastructure and supporting the farming community. The initiatives under this package are expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of farmers across Punjab.
FAQs
Q1: What are the main components of the Punjab government’s support package for farmers?
A1: The package includes the Punjab Kisan Bank for accessible loans, the CM Punjab Green Tractor Scheme with significant subsidies, a High-Tech Mechanisation Programme for local manufacturing, and an Oilseed Promotion Programme.
Q2: What is the subsidy amount provided under the CM Punjab Green Tractor Scheme?
A2: The scheme offers a 70% subsidy on small tractors and a 50% subsidy on large tractors.
Q3: How many additional tractors will be available under the CM Punjab Green Tractor Scheme?
A3: The number of tractors available under the scheme has been increased by 10,000 units.
Q4: What is the purpose of the High-Tech Mechanisation Programme?
A4: The programme aims to promote the local manufacturing of advanced agricultural equipment in collaboration with foreign companies.
Q5: What does the Oilseed Promotion Programme aim to achieve?
A5: The programme encourages different regions of Punjab to cultivate oilseeds, enhancing local agricultural production.
Q6: How will the Kisan Card benefit farmers?
A6: Through the Kisan Card, farmers will receive agricultural inputs and other benefits and facilities, supporting their farming activities.
Q7: What is the total value of the farmer package introduced in Punjab?
A7: The farmer package introduced is worth 400 billion rupees.
Q8: When is the first phase of the CM Punjab Green Tractor Scheme expected to be completed?
A8: The first phase of the scheme is to be completed within a year, with additional tractors to be provided annually.
Q9: Who were some of the senior officials present at the meeting?
A9: The meeting was attended by Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Provincial Ministers Sohaib Ahmed Malik and Syed Ashiq Hussain, Special Assistant Rashid Nasrullah, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, and Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Sahoo.
Q10: What recent payments were released as part of the Benazir Kafaalat and Taleemi Wazaif?
A10: The payments for the 2nd phase of Benazir Kafaalat and Taleemi Wazaif for the period April to June 2024 were released.
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