LAHORE (Dunya News) - Positive results of the Punjab government's agricultural reforms and farmer-focused policies are beginning to emerge as the province moves towards a new era of modern farm mechanisation.
The provision of Green Tractors, high-tech combined harvesters and Super Seeders is promoting modern farming practices across Punjab, while several initiatives are being implemented to improve farmers' access to advanced agricultural machinery.
Under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's Green Tractor Scheme, subsidies of Rs1 million per tractor are being provided on 9,500 high-power tractors. In addition, 10,000 tractors ranging from 50 to 65 horsepower are being supplied to farmers with a subsidy of Rs500,000 per unit.
The chief minister has also directed authorities to provide 20,000 Green Tractors to farmers during the next fiscal year.
Under the upcoming programme, subsidies on high-horsepower tractors will be increased to Rs1.5 million, while tractors in the 50 to 65 horsepower category will receive subsidies of Rs750,000, offering significant financial relief to small and medium-sized farmers.
For the first time in Punjab, an interest-free loan scheme of up to Rs30 million has been introduced for the purchase of 12 categories of modern agricultural machinery. The initiative aims to help farmers acquire advanced farming equipment through easy financing arrangements.
Government measures have already enabled farmers to obtain nearly 200 high-tech combined harvesters through interest-free financing. Additionally, 50 modern combined harvesters were used for wheat harvesting for the first time, helping improve the efficiency and timeliness of crop harvesting.
To reduce environmental pollution and discourage the burning of crop residue, the Punjab government distributed 5,000 Super Seeders among rice growers. The technology was used for rice cultivation on 1.4 million acres for the first time, producing positive agricultural and environmental outcomes.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also approved the second phase of the Super Seeder Scheme, under which an additional 5,000 units will be distributed to farmers to expand the use of the technology.
She said the government's objective is to modernise the agricultural sector and encourage farmers to adopt innovative farming practices. According to the chief minister, greater mechanisation will reduce production costs and significantly increase crop yields per acre.
Maryam Nawaz further stated that the use of Super Seeder technology is helping reduce environmental pollution, while the adoption of modern agricultural machinery has become an essential requirement for the sector. The Punjab government is also facilitating small-scale farmers by providing access to modern machinery on a rental basis, enabling them to benefit from advanced agricultural technologies despite limited resources.