LAHORE (Dunya News) - Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz has decided to introduce mechanised farming project worth 3 billion to increase cultivation of onion and tomatoes.
Measures are being taken to introduce the first project of this kind to increase cultivation for the tomatoes and onions.
Around 70pc subsidy would be given on agricultural equipment, planters and pruners for mechanised farming of vegetables under the program.
Subsidy of around 70pc would also be provided on dryers, graders and pulping units for onions and tomatoes value addition.
Lodhran, Multan and Vehari districts have been selected for the farming of onions while tomatoes farming would be done in Khushab, Sheikhupura and Muzaffargarh. It has been decided to form farmer enterprise groups of land owners up to 25 acres in 6 districts for mechanised farming.
Training on latest agricultural and smart cultivation methods will be provided in farmers field schools for farmer groups.
CM Maryam Nawaz stated that formal projects for vegetables farming were being launched for the very first time in the history of Punjab to connect farmer groups with the international market.
Maryam Nawaz stressed that group and mechanised farming would not only increase yield but also reduce the cost and the prosperity of farmers was her vision.
Onions and tomatoes were regularly used items for everyone and the rise in their cost couldn’t be tolerated, she said.
She highlighted that the Punjab government was committed to the welfare and facilitation of the common man.
Monitoring to keep check and balance on the prices of daily items were being taken day and night
Interested farmers can contact agriculture Facebook, website and agriculture guidance irrigation offices.
A helpline 0800-17000 for agriculture transformation project has also been made to facilitate farmers.