Punjab Expands Agricultural Mechanisation Programme
LAHORE – The Punjab government has significantly expanded its agricultural mechanisation programme through a series of new initiatives aimed at increasing farmers' access to modern machinery. These include subsidised tractors, combined harvesters, and interest-free financing for advanced farm equipment. According to official details, the provincial government has provided a subsidy of Rs1 million each on 9,500 high-power tractors under the Green Tractor Scheme. Additionally, 10,000 tractors ranging from 50 to 65 horsepower are being distributed to farmers with a subsidy of Rs500,000 per tractor.
Future Plans for Green Tractors
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to provide 20,000 additional Green Tractors during the next fiscal year. Under the upcoming phase of the programme, subsidies of Rs1.5 million on high-horsepower tractors and Rs750,000 on tractors ranging from 50 to 65 horsepower will be offered.
Interest-Free Loan Scheme for High-Tech Machinery
The provincial government has also introduced, for the first time, an interest-free loan scheme of up to Rs30 million for the purchase of 12 categories of high-tech agricultural machinery. Under this initiative, nearly 200 modern combined harvesters have been provided to farmers. Officials said that 50 high-tech combined harvesters were deployed for wheat harvesting operations across the province, marking the first such initiative on this scale.
Super Seeders to Reduce Pollution
As part of efforts to reduce environmental pollution caused by crop residue burning, 5,000 Super Seeders have been distributed among rice growers. The government said rice cultivation on approximately 1.4 million acres was completed using Super Seeder technology. Under the second phase of the programme, another 5,000 Super Seeders are being provided to farmers.
Government's Commitment to Modern Agriculture
Maryam Nawaz said the promotion of innovation and modern agricultural practices remained a key priority of her government. She noted that agricultural mechanisation could help lower production costs, improve efficiency and increase crop yields. The chief minister also highlighted the environmental benefits of Super Seeder technology, saying it was contributing to a reduction in pollution caused by the burning of crop residue. She added that efforts were also being made to facilitate small farmers through access to modern agricultural machinery on a rental basis.
