Rs 100b package to promote agriculture sector: CM

Says all out steps for giving relief to cultivators

LAHORE: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said the Punjab government has given a historic package of Rs 100 billion for progress of agriculture sector and prosperity of the cultivators. He said implementation of this package will leave a positive impact on uplift of cultivators and promotion of agriculture within next two years. 

Every penny of the agri package will be spent on the welfare of the farmers, he added. He said basic aim of historic package of 100 billion rupees is to increase per acre production and reduce difficulties of farmers. He said soon solid steps will be announced for prosperity of cultivators and development of agriculture sector and relief will be provided to the farmers at their doorstep under agri package. He said that prosperity of farmers is top priority of the government and all out steps will be taken for providing relief to the cultivators.

He expressed these views while addressing a meeting. The meeting reviewed steps proposed for implementation of Agri Package-2016 announced for the development of agriculture and prosperity of farmers. Addressing the meeting, the CM said farmers are his brothers who grow grain from soil. He said provision of relief to the cultivators and redressing of their difficulties is the responsibility of the government and for this purpose, a huge package of Rs.100 billion has been given. He said interests of small farmers are very dear and no compromise would be made on protection of their rights. 

Upon the proposal of provision of interest free soft term loans to small farmers, Shahbaz Sharif said that provision of interest free loans can be a great step for small cultivators. Therefore, final recommendations should be presented at the earliest for implementing the proposal. 

He said there is a great potential in livestock sector in the province and steps should be taken for fully benefiting the potential in this sector. He said veterinary dispensaries should be rearranged while Idara-e-Kissan be made more active and vibrant. He said historic Kissan Package of 100 billion rupees will help improve promotion of agriculture and prosperity of farmers.