LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced major initiatives to support farmers, including the establishment of the province’s first Apna Kissan Bank. The government will offer interest-free loans of up to Rs10 million under the new measures. The initiative aims to improve access to agricultural financing and support farmers across Punjab.

Maryam Nawaz announced different financing options for farmers. Loans of up to Rs10 million will carry zero interest, while loans of Rs30 million will have a 2 per cent interest rate. Loans worth Rs50 million will be available at a 5 per cent interest rate. These measures are intended to help farmers meet their agricultural expenses and invest in their operations.

The chief minister also confirmed that wheat procurement would take place at a support price of Rs4,500 per maund. Meanwhile, the government is increasing the Kissan Card loan limit by Rs3,500 per acre. The limit will rise from Rs30,000 to Rs33,500 per acre. She also announced a special package to encourage olive cultivation in the province.

Addressing a delegation of farmers, Maryam Nawaz said her government was working to improve agricultural facilities. She added that farmers would receive their entitlements at their doorsteps. The government would also continue addressing their concerns and providing financial support. She described farmers as important partners in Punjab’s agricultural development.

According to figures shared by the chief minister, more than one million small farmers are benefiting from the Kissan Card programme. She said farmers had received Rs400 billion through the facility over the past two years. The government has also provided 25,000 tractors on subsidy, while another 50,000 tractors are being provided under the programme.

Maryam Nawaz said subsidised agricultural financing worth Rs17 billion would be provided to farmers. She also highlighted the government’s investment in agricultural technology and machinery. Around Rs70 billion has been allocated for high-tech mechanisation. Furthermore, Pakistani companies are manufacturing 30,000 tractors to support the agricultural sector.

The chief minister said Punjab’s agriculture budget had increased from Rs15 billion to Rs400 billion. She also stated that the province received Rs3 billion in financing over an earlier 11-year period. These figures were presented to highlight the government’s increased focus on agriculture and rural development.

Other initiatives include the construction of 400 mini dams in Pothohar. The government also fattened 400,000 animals in one year and plans to prepare another 600,000 livestock this year. Additionally, agriculture interns are working in the field to support farmers. The government has also introduced programmes for renting agricultural machinery.

The chief minister urged farmers to avoid burning crop residue, citing the need to control smog. She also said the government had taken action against the black marketing of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs. According to her, improving farmers’ access to essential supplies remains a government priority.

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Maryam Nawaz said Punjab currently meets around 70 per cent of Pakistan’s food requirements. She reiterated that the government would continue supporting farmers through financial assistance, modern machinery and agricultural development programmes. The newly announced Apna Kissan Bank is expected to expand financing options for farmers across the province.