In a bid to revolutionize Punjab’s agriculture sector and usher in a ‘green revolution’, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved a number of pioneering projects to modernize and increase productivity in the province.
Key initiatives include the approval of several agricultural projects, including the introduction of solar tube wells, heralding a new era of sustainable farming practices. With a vision of a ‘green Punjab’ and happy farmers, these measures are expected to bring about significant changes in the agricultural landscape of the region.
In a special meeting called for the purpose, CM Maryam approved in principle a number of revolutionary and historic measures for farmers, including cementing of canals. In the first phase, 1,200 canals will be concreted at a cost of Rs 10 billion. In the second phase, another 7,000 channels will be concreted.
In addition, the Chief Minister announced that the federal government would be contacted to withdraw the high-tech agricultural mission tax and duty. In addition, it has also announced plans to provide solar systems to farmers with up to 25 acres of land in the next two years, a major step to promote the use of renewable energy in agriculture.
It was also decided to subsidize 60% on 56 types of agricultural machinery and distribute a thousand laser leveling devices to farmers during the next six months.
A special session chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. During the meeting, it was decided to provide farmers with 56 types of machines with a 60% subsidy.
During the Agriculture Minister’s briefing on agriculture-related projects, it was learned that efforts are underway to increase seed production from 400,000 tonnes to 600,000 tonnes. A proposal to grow soybeans on 100,000 acres of land was also considered in collaboration with the Faisalabad Agricultural University.
The briefing also highlighted the current tax and duty rates on high-tech agricultural machinery, which range from 30% to 37%. Further, a mechanization plan is underway under which Rs 2 billion worth of agricultural machinery would be purchased within three months.
