ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said on Monday that Punjab government is ready for dialogue if PPP wants to hold talks on its reservations.
She expressed these views while talking to journalists following the Parliament joint session. earlier, Punjab CM officially launched the third phase of the mechanised agriculture programme in the province, offering a 60 per cent subsidy on the provision of super seeders.
The initiative is expected to play a significant role in reducing smog and promoting sustainable farming practices. Under the third phase, the Agriculture Department has called for applications from farmers for provision of super seeders, with a target to complete the distribution of 2,000 units before the sowing of wheat in October.
The programme, which began with a formal launch by the chief minister last year, includes a balloting process for 1,000 super seeders. The second phase, which involved the manufacturing of an additional 2,000 units, is nearing completion. The use of super seeders allows for the efficient incorporation of paddy crop remains into the soil, a key step in minimising the environmental impact and enhancing soil fertility.
To date, over 110,000 acres of land in Punjab have benefited from the use of super seeders for wheat cultivation. The technology is expected to increase crop yields, reduce the costs of fertilisers and seeds, and help farmers earn extra income by renting out the seeders to other farmers.
In this phase, farmers, who own 65-horsepower tractors, are eligible to apply for a super seeder. Applications can be submitted online through the official website, [www.agripunjab.gov.pk](http://www.agripunjab.gov.pk), or in person at the offices of the agriculture officers concerned. A toll-free helpline, 0800-17000, has also been established for further assistance.
CM Maryam Nawaz remarked, “The dream of innovation in Punjab’s agriculture has now become a reality. Through agricultural mechanisation and the use of super seeders, we are not only preventing the burning of paddy residue but also equipping our farmers with the latest agricultural technology.”
She further emphasised, “Our goal is to reduce costs for farmers while simultaneously increasing production. The success of agriculture is essential for the success of industry and trade. ‘Kisan Khushhal, Punjab Khushhal’ is not just a slogan, it is becoming a reality. Programs like the kisan card, super seeder, and others are already contributing to higher crop yields and better per-acre production across the province.”
In addition to her work on the agricultural front, CM Maryam Nawaz also took swift action in response to a recent incident at Mayo Hospital Lahore, where patients allegedly died due to a reaction from an injection. Expressing her deep grief and sympathy for the affected families, the CM directed the Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education secretary to submit a report on the incident. She said that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the negligence, and called for the best possible medical treatment for all patients in the hospital.