LAHORE:The Punjab government has allocated Rs30 billion for the Chief Minister Punjab Green Tractor Programme, which is a landmark initiative.
Under the programme, subsidies of Rs1 million per tractor have been extended to 9,500 farmers through a transparent ballot system. These views were expressed by Provincial Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani while attending the signing ceremony between Tractor Manufacturing Industry and Agriculture Department.
The minister highlighted that this initiative would strengthen agricultural mechanisation, enhance the trust of farmers in the local tractor industry. He stressed the need to focus on the local manufacturing of rice transplanters and harvesters and boosting the production of tractors over 85 HP locally to save foreign exchange spent on imports.
He added that under this scheme, owners of 1 to 50 acres of agricultural land will have the option to choose 50-85 HP tractors of their preference. The entire delivery process is digitised ensuring transparency. The quality of the green tractors will not be compromised, and international standards (SOPs) must be adhered to during manufacturing. Additionally, 1,000 tractors will be provided to wheat farmers under the 'Grow More Wheat' campaign.
Secretary Agriculture Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, stated that 9,400 allotment letters have already been issued, and the first phase of the Green Tractor Scheme will conclude by March 31, 2025. This scheme benefits not only farmers but also the tractor industry, which is expected to adhere to strict delivery timelines. The Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the tractor manufacturing companies expressed their full support for the Chief Minister Punjab Green Tractor Scheme, acknowledging its positive impact on the local industry.
The ceremony also witnessed the signing of agreements for tractor manufacturing, with Director General Agriculture (Extension) Ch Abdul Hamid, CEOs of tractor companies, and other senior officials in attendance.
Prominent attendees included Special Secretary Agriculture Agha Nabeel Akhtar, Additional Secretary Agriculture Ijaz Munir, Captain (Retired) Waqas Rashid, Shabbir Ahmad Khan, Director General Agriculture Chaudhry Abdul Hamid, Malik Muhammad Akram, Naveed Asmat Kahloon, and other senior officers.