Substantial subsidies aim to uplift Punjab’s agricultural sector and ensure food security.
Key Takeaways:
i) Punjab’s government has approved a significant ‘Wheat Support Programme’ to aid farmers.
ii) The program offers a support price of Rs 5,000 per acre to 0.6 million farmers via the ‘Kissan Card’.
iii) Over 36 billion rupees have been utilized by farmers for agricultural inputs through the Kissan Card.
Lahore, Pakistan – Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has given the green light to a comprehensive ‘Wheat Support Programme,’ designed to bolster the province’s agricultural sector and provide substantial relief to farmers. The initiative, announced recently, aims to ensure food security and improve the economic standing of agricultural communities.
Under this program, a support price of Rs 5,000 per acre will be provided to 0.6 million farmers through the ‘Kissan Card’ program. Farmers who do not possess a Kissan Card will also be eligible for the Rs 5,000 per acre subsidy. This initiative involves a subsidy worth billions of rupees, directly benefiting farmers in the upcoming crop season.
The Kissan Card has already proven to be a valuable tool for farmers, with Rs 36 billion utilized for the purchase of essential agricultural inputs. Impressively, 60 percent of the loans issued through the Kissan Card have been successfully repaid, amounting to Rs 22 billion. The second installment for the new crop has been disbursed to farmers via the Kissan Card, and verification of applications for the wheat support program is progressing rapidly, with 50 percent already completed.
This program underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector, recognizing its vital role in the national economy. By providing financial assistance and facilitating access to crucial resources, the government aims to empower farmers, enhance crop yields, and ensure a stable supply of wheat for the nation.
