Kissan Card rescues farmers from middlemen exploitation

LAHORE:Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani has said Kissan Card has provided timely agricultural inputs for wheat cultivation through interest-free loan schemes, rescuing the farmers from middlemen exploitation.

The minister was speaking at a meeting held at Agriculture House here on Wednesday. He directed strict monitoring of the purchase process under the Kissan Card and immediate action against dealers overcharging or creating artificial shortages of seeds, fertilisers, and agricultural medicines.

The meeting reviewed the progress of CM’s Kissan Package, 'Grow More Wheat' campaign, and other key projects. Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo was also present.

In the meeting, the minister was informed that a facility for farmers to withdraw 30 percent cash through the Kissan Card has been made available. Farmers from non-digitised areas can also apply for the Kissan Card.

To date, over 13 lakh farmers have applied for the Kissan Card, with the Bank of Punjab completing the scrutiny of over 500,000 applications. Through the Kissan Card, purchases worth Rs27billion have been made in the province, including Rs12billion spent on DAP fertiliser. Overall, 91percent of fertiliser purchases have been facilitated through the Kissan Card.

Farmers can report any complaints regarding the Kissan Card to the Punjab Agriculture Department’s helpline at 0800-17000. Under the CM’s Green Tractor Programme, allotment letters have been issued to 9,382 of the 9,500 successful applicants. Of these, 7,110 farmers have deposited their share of the payment with banks, and 1,280 tractors have been manufactured.

The minister was further briefed on the 'Solarisation of Tube Wells' programme, which aims to convert 8,000 tube wells from electricity and diesel to solar systems across Punjab. The CM has approved a budget of Rs2.5billion for this initiative, and applications process will be started from December 9, 2024. The quota for the programme will be distributed at the district level, and balloting will be held in the presence of district administration and elected representatives.

Under the CM’s smog control programme, 1,000 Super Seeders have been distributed to farmers this year. These have facilitated the scientific utilisation of rice stubble on over 100,000 acres of land, preventing stubble burning. By July 2025, an additional 4,000 Super Seeders will be provided to farmers.

Applications are being sought from farmers for the 'Grow More Wheat' package until December 15, 2024. Secretary Agriculture Iftikhar Ali Sahoo affirmed that the timelines of the CM’s Kissan Package are being strictly adhered to.