Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday announced that more than 832,000 farmers across the province have been issued Kissan Cards, calling the initiative a major step toward improving farmers' access to agricultural financing and reducing their dependence on traditional middlemen.
In a statement, the chief minister emphasized that the Kissan Card programme is helping farmers achieve financial independence by enabling them to obtain agricultural inputs through a formal and transparent system.
According to official figures, farmers have utilized loans worth Rs2.54 billion under the scheme, while agricultural inputs valued at over Rs100 billion were purchased through Kissan Cards during the wheat season. The data further shows that recoveries amounting to Rs67 billion were due from around 538,000 farmers, with an 86 percent recovery rate achieved so far. Farmers have repaid installments worth Rs57 billion, reflecting high compliance with the programme's repayment schedule.
For the ongoing kharif season, agricultural inputs worth Rs90 billion have been made available through the Kissan Card facility. Around 300,000 farmers have so far obtained agricultural inputs valued at Rs30 billion under the scheme.
Maryam Nawaz said the programme is contributing to the economic empowerment of farmers by providing easier access to credit and agricultural resources. She expressed hope that such initiatives will help improve farm productivity and strengthen the agricultural sector.
The chief minister also appreciated farmers for the timely repayment of loans, stating that their commitment has contributed to the success and sustainability of the programme.
