LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced interest-free loans of up to Rs30 million for small farmers as part of the provincial government’s efforts to support agriculture and improve farmers’ access to financing.
Addressing a delegation of farmers, Maryam Nawaz said loans exceeding Rs30 million would carry an interest rate of 2 per cent, while loans of up to Rs50 million would be subject to a 5 per cent interest rate, according to reports.
She said more than one million people were benefiting from the Kisan Card programme, under which farmers receive financial assistance of Rs150,000 before the sowing season.
1,000 Agricultural Interns to Be Recruited
The chief minister announced that the provincial government would recruit 1,000 agricultural interns this year to improve agricultural services and support farmers.
She described agriculture as the backbone of the national economy and said the government had introduced several measures to improve farmers’ welfare over the past two years.
Wheat Support Price Set at Rs4,500 per 40kg
Maryam Nawaz directed officials to implement a wheat procurement support price of Rs4,500 per 40 kilogrammes. She said Punjab played a vital role in meeting the country’s food needs, accounting for around 70 per cent of its food requirements.
She also announced the development of modern processing parks to improve the grading and storage of mangoes, kinnows, potatoes and other agricultural produce.
The chief minister said measures had been taken to curb the black marketing of fertilisers and agricultural commodities.
Crackdown on Water Theft
Addressing irrigation concerns, Maryam Nawaz said a strict crackdown on water theft was underway to ensure fair distribution among farmers.
She directed officials to ensure that irrigation water reached the tail ends of canals, stressing that small farmers should receive their rightful share without difficulty.
Punjab Kisan Bank to Become Operational Soon
The chief minister further announced that work on the Punjab Kisan Bank had been completed and the institution would become operational soon.
The proposed bank aims to improve farmers’ access to financial and banking services.
The formal implementation of the announced loan rates and other measures will depend on the relevant government notifications and eligibility criteria.
