In a landmark move aimed at supporting the backbone of Punjab’s agriculture sector, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a Rs 5,000 per acre subsidy for 600,000 wheat farmers across the province. The support package is part of the government’s broader agricultural relief strategy under the Kissan Card initiative, designed to ease input costs and promote sustainable farming.
Presiding over a high-level meeting in Lahore, the Chief Minister emphasized that no farmer will be left behind—even those without an existing Kissan Card will be eligible to receive the subsidy. “Our farmers are the pride of Punjab, and they deserve every ounce of support we can offer,” she claimed.
Officials briefing the CM revealed that farmers have so far utilized Rs. 36 billion through the Kissan Card system to purchase fertilizers, seeds, and other essential inputs. Impressively, 60% of loans under the program have already been disbursed, and farmers have collectively repaid Rs. 22 billion, demonstrating their commitment and reliability.
To ensure timely support for the upcoming crop cycle, the government has released the second installment of funds. According to the briefing, 50% of all applications for the wheat subsidy have already been verified, with the remainder under active review.
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In a parallel development, CM Maryam Nawaz also chaired a session on solarizing agricultural tubewells, a long-awaited initiative that could significantly cut back energy costs for farmers and promote green energy adoption in rural areas.
The execution plan for the wheat subsidy was carefully reviewed during the discussion. A remarkable proposal was made to include land contractors—not just landowners—in the scheme, to ensure more inclusive support for those actively cultivating the land, regardless of ownership status.
The initiative strongly indicates a growing dedication from the Punjab government to
- Modernize agriculture
- Reduce the burden on farmers
- Encourage economic growth in rural communities
As the wheat season approaches, this timely intervention is anticipated to provide a much-needed financial cushion, especially for small and medium-scale farmers facing the increasing input prices.