LAHORE, Sep 10 (NNI): “We are introducing Kissan Cards, Agricultural Mall Pilot Project, Green Tractor Scheme, Agriculture Graduates Internship and Tube Well Solarization Projects for the development of agriculture and socio-economic uplift of farmers in Punjab,” said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif while chairing a review meeting of the Agriculture Department to discuss progress on CM Initiatives for the uplift of agriculture sector in the province.
She added, “Delivery of 40,000 Kissan cards to farmers through 136 agriculture centres in the province has started today. Farmers can get Kissan cards from agricultural center in the agriculture office in each tehsil. They will be able to use these Cards to buy agricultural inputs for wheat crop after 15 October.” She highlighted,”05 lakh farmers will benefit from Kissan Card. A farmer will be able to get a loan from Rs 30,000 per acre to Rs 1.5 lakh through Kissan Card.”
Madam Chief Minister said, “Agricultural Mall Pilot Project will be started in Okara, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal and Sargodha.” She added, “Seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural goods, counseling, loans and other facilities will be available at these Malls.”
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved Fresh Agriculture Graduates Internship Program, under which training of 1000 agriculture graduates will start across Punjab from next week. She said, “These agriculture graduates will access the farmers through geomapping, and will advise them in the field on how to get good harvest.”
She said, “Under CM Green Tractor Scheme, 10,000 tractors will be given in a year. Punjab government will give a subsidy of Rs 10 lakh on each tractor.” She added, “Farmers will be able to apply after launch of the Scheme on 20 September.”
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, “Agricultural tube well solarization project is in the final stages, will start soon.” She added, “Punjab government will pay 50% on solarization of electric and diesel tube wells.”
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information & Culture Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari and Agriculture Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani attended the meeting. Chief Secretary, Secretary Agriculture and other relevant officers were also present. NNI
