LAHORE: Punjab government has approved the ‘Nawaz Sharif Kisan Card’ to disburse agricultural loans worth Rs 150 billion.
A special meeting on agricultural reforms was chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The meeting reviewed proposals for legislation to prevent the use of agricultural land for residential purposes, and the restructuring of the Punjab Seed Corporation and Punjab Agricultural Research Board.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Nawaz approved the issuance of the ‘Nawaz Sharif Kisan Card’. She announced that 500,000 farmers would receive loans totaling Rs150 billion annually at favorable terms through the Kisan Card.
Farmers will obtain agricultural loans up to Rs30,000 per acre for purchasing high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
The Chief Minister stated that the government would provide various subsidies through the Nawaz Sharif Kisan Card and establish model agricultural centers in collaboration with the private sector throughout Punjab.
These centers will offer modern agricultural machinery, training, pesticides, seeds, and model plots.
In the initial phase, a model agricultural center will be established in each district, aiming to protect farmers from counterfeit fertilisers and medicines.
