Maryam unveils record Rs110bn relief package for Punjab wheat farmers

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a landmark Rs110 billion relief package for wheat farmers, marking the largest agricultural support initiative in the province’s history.

The move sets Punjab apart as the only province offering substantial aid to wheat growers across Pakistan.

Presiding over a meeting, the chief minister approved a Rs25 billion relief initiative under the ‘Wheat Farmer Support Program’, which includes a direct cash grant of Rs5,000 per acre. Farmers cultivating five acres of wheat will receive Rs25,000 in direct assistance.

To ensure fair procurement, CM Maryam Nawaz mandated flour mills to purchase at least 25pc of wheat stocks and approved the ‘Electronic Warehouse Housing Reset’ policy. The provincial agriculture minister will oversee the wheat procurement campaign, with support from the Price Control Department. Furthermore, she directed the Bank of Punjab to establish a Rs100 billion credit line to facilitate farmers.

During the briefing, it was revealed that farmers have already purchased agricultural inputs worth Rs55 billion through the Kisan Card initiative. Additional support measures include: Rs10 billion subsidy on 9,500 tractors; 1,000 tractors distributed free at a cost of Rs2.5 billion; Rs8 billion allocated for solarization of tube-wells; Rs8 billion subsidy on 5,000 super seeders.

In a first-of-its-kind incentive scheme, the top wheat-producing farmers will be rewarded with tractors: 1st Prize: 85 HP tractor worth Rs4.5 million; 2nd Prize: 75 HP tractor worth Rs4 million; 3rd Prize: 60 HP tractor worth Rs3.5 million.

Additionally, district-level prizes will be awarded: 1st place: Rs1 million; 2nd place: Rs800,000; 3rd place: Rs500,000. A total of Rs104 million has been allocated for the wheat productivity competition across Punjab.

To further support the initiative, an agriculture internship program worth Rs1.25 billion has been launched. A total of 1,000 interns will be deployed in the field to assist farmers with modern techniques and practices.

In a related initiative, cotton farmers will receive Rs25,000 per block, with a total allocation of Rs375 million.

CM Maryam Nawaz also stressed the importance of environmental stewardship, calling on all stakeholders and citizens to take joint responsibility for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.

CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz, in her message on the social networking website ‘X’, said that Punjab has formally launched Pakistan’s first Smart Environment Protection Force. She said the establishment of Environment Protection Force is like a milestone in Punjab’s journey towards attaining environmental improvement. The launching of the force was a bold initiative towards achieving a clean and green future. The Smart Force has been provided with drone surveillance, real-time (AQI) monitors and mobile labs.

The CM said, “Special squads have been established to streamline fields of industry, water, plastic, agriculture, transport and fuel. The Smart Environment Force is committed to ensure prompt response, proper implementation and continuous improvement in the air quality index. I congratulate Minister for Environment, Secretary EPD, DG EPA and their team for turning my vision into reality.”

The chief minister expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of five pilgrims in a bus accident in Saudi Arabia. She expressed heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families.

Maryam Nawaz also paid tribute to the CTD and Punjab Police for consigning to hell 10 terrorists in Makerwal. She expressed best wishes for the CTD and Punjab Police, adding that the brave sons of our security forces are onation’s pride.

CM Maryam Nawaz also expressed profound grief and sorrow over the death of Catholic Pope Francis Jorge Mario Bergoglio. She expressed heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the Christian community across the globe on the sad demise of Pope Francis. She paid tribute to Pope Francis’ services rendered for the promotion of global peace.