Latest news with #KissanCard
Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab plans agri reforms to boost productivity: minister
LAHORE: 'The Punjab government is linking research institutions and universities and believes in supporting the private sector by providing maximum facilities with the aim to enhance agricultural productivity and profitability.' Punjab Minister for Agriculture Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani stated this while speaking at a workshop 'current state of agriculture and planning for Punjab 2025–26' held on Thursday with the collaboration of the Punjab Agriculture Department, the Food Security and Agriculture Centre of Excellence (FACE), and the Pakistan Agricultural Coalition (PAC). The minister stressed that the establishment of virtual and electronic markets for agricultural commodity marketing is the need of the hour. He said the purpose of this consultative session is to engage stakeholders to assess the current status of agriculture and devise a future roadmap. He emphasized that the main focus is on enhancing agricultural productivity and profitability and ensure their sustainability. The government is committed to securing fair prices for farmers' produce. Highlighting the 'Transforming Agriculture Punjab' programme, he said a zero-interest loan of Rs 30 billion has been introduced to promote mechanization. The government is constructing 10 agri malls next year to provide agricultural machinery on a rental basis while construction of four agri malls is already 98 percent complete. The minister further stated that the chief minister is focusing on high-efficiency irrigation systems, research, and the supply of climate-resilient seeds. Under Phase I of the Kissan Card programme, Rs 57 billion in loans have been distributed to 525,000 farmers, out of which 98 percent have repaid their loans. Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Usama Khan Leghari said that it is imperative to reduce crop production costs and increase per-acre yield. He noted that the Kissan Card programme has reduced input costs by 70 percent. He urged the government to focus more on agricultural research. Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo stated that Punjab contributes 70 percent to the country's agriculture and that practical steps are being taken to transform the sector. He emphasized the importance of corporate and cluster farming to meet modern agricultural demands and acknowledged that climate change presents a serious challenge to the sector. He also highlighted the Green Pakistan Initiative as a remarkable project of the government. Director General of the Green Corporate Initiative Pakistan, Major General Shahid Nazir, said that to turn the dream of agricultural transformation into reality, the government must address the instability in farmers' product pricing. He stressed the need to educate farmers on expanding cultivated land and to adopt modern technology, collect data, and benefit from agricultural experts to promote mechanization. During the workshop, stakeholders and private sector representatives held detailed discussions on the availability of farm inputs and improving farm economics. They focused on increasing per-acre yield and managing crop diversification. Another session offered consultations on mitigating the effects of climate change, restoring soil health, and ensuring adequate water availability. The fourth session emphasized the need for collective efforts to improve the agri-commodity marketing system. Participants included President of the Bank of Punjab Zafar Masud, Vice Chancellors of agricultural universities, Shehzad Malik from Guard Agri, stakeholders involved in agricultural production, and representatives from private companies. A large number of participants also joined the session online. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
21-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab's outdated mandi system hurting small farmers: think tank
LAHORE: Agriculture Republic, an agricultural think tank, has termed Punjab's mandi (market) system outdated and harmful to small farmers. While the Kissan Card initiative is a commendable step, the urgent need to reform agricultural marketing remains unmet. 'Introducing digital weighing systems, transparent auction processes, and digitized payment systems will ensure traceability, fair pricing, and greater farmer confidence. Additionally, developing storage and cold chain infrastructure at the tehsil level can significantly reduce post-harvest losses and help stabilize market prices,' said Agriculture Republic Co-founder Fawad Bajwa, while speaking to Business Recorder on Saturday. Bajwa highlighted that Punjab government's 2025 budget brings a renewed focus on agriculture, climate adaptation, and rural development, with Rs 80 billion allocated for agricultural development. He welcomed this as a positive step for Punjab's farmers, who remain on the frontlines of the climate crisis. He also praised the designation of Bahawalpur as a 'Cotton Valley,' which he believes will help revive cotton cultivation and foster a complete value chain— from production to processing — in southern Punjab. 'This model should also be extended to other regions with strong potential for high-value, export-oriented crops such as horticulture, pulses, and oilseeds,' he suggested. He further emphasized that while the budget's focus on mechanization and smart agriculture tools is encouraging, these must be integrated with climate-smart technologies, AI-driven monitoring systems, and machine learning to enhance forecasting, optimize yields, and improve water management. A portion of the Rs 2 billion allocated for climate change, he noted, should be directly applied to on-the-ground agricultural adaptation, particularly through community-based efforts to mitigate climate impacts. The budget also contains important proposals for improvements in livestock and fisheries—sectors with significant untapped export potential. The government's initiative to establish disease-free livestock zones and modern livestock markets aligned with international health and hygiene standards are critical for accessing premium global markets for dairy and meat products. Bajwa recommended that similar pilot zones be established in various agro-ecological regions of Punjab to promote decentralized growth and ease pressure on existing market hubs. Similarly, the emphasis on fisheries and aquaculture, especially through modern hatcheries and value chain development, can help diversify income opportunities in Punjab's water-rich districts. He urged the government to expand inland fish farming pilots, supported by cold chain systems and export facilitation, beyond a few select districts to generate local employment. Commenting on the broader vision of the budget, Aamer Hayat Bhandara, another co-founder of Agriculture Republic and a leading advocate for digital agriculture, said: 'Punjab Budget 2025 provides a solid foundation, but its real value will depend on the integration of agriculture, climate resilience, animal health, digitization, and cultural preservation.' He stressed the need to scale up pilot projects across Punjab's varied districts to ensure equitable growth, farmer prosperity, and long-term environmental sustainability. Bhandara also noted that while the budget's focus on urban beautification is welcome, the cultural and environmental significance of rural areas must not be neglected. He proposed launching Model Rural Villages under PHA across select districts—designed to celebrate Punjab's rich rural heritage through traditional architecture, local craftsmanship, and eco-friendly landscapes. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
30-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab, UK to collaborate on farming and livestock reforms
LAHORE: The Punjab government and the British High Commission have agreed to work together on supporting farmers, dealing with climate change, improving university linkages, better animal breeding and controlling foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) to strengthen agriculture and livestock sectors of the province. The consensus reached during a meeting of the Punjab's Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, with Ben Warrington, Head of the Lahore Office at the British High Commission. Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo was also present. Minister Kirmani said Punjab values the UK's financial help and wants to learn from the UK's experience in the livestock sector. He shared that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has focused on improving agriculture and livestock. Over the past year, the government gave farmers interest-free loans through the Kissan Card and Livestock Card programs. These programs help farmers avoid being exploited by middlemen. He also talked about the transforming Punjab agriculture program, which has a large budget of Rs 400 billion. The government is focusing on modern farming equipment, efficient irrigation, good quality seeds, and new research centers. These steps aim to lower crop costs and increase yield per acre. To reduce smog, the government has given farmers 5,000 subsidized super seeders. It is also setting up four agriculture malls where farmers can rent modern farming machines at low rates. Last year, 9,500 tractors were given to farmers with Rs 1 million subsidy on each. A new loan scheme is also being introduced to help farmers and service providers get high-tech machines. Punjab is also starting a breed improvement program in 10 districts. This program aims to improve milk and meat production. High-quality animal semen will be sold in the market at lower prices. The minister also said that to control FMD, the government will set up two special zones and five compartments in the upcoming budget. This will greatly help in controlling the disease. Ben Warrington praised the steps Punjab has taken in agriculture reforms. He said the UK understands the problems faced by Punjab's farmers and wants to help solve them. Consultant Dr. Muhammad Anjum Ali and Director General of Agriculture Information Punjab, Naveed Ismat Kahloon, also joined the meeting. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Rs1.2bn allocation made to revive citrus industry
LAHORE: The Punjab government has allocated a huge sum of Rs1.2 billion for citrus revival initiative in the province to provide technical guidance to growers and to introduce improved citrus varieties. Pakistan's annual citrus exports have dropped from $200 million to $130 million and urgent efforts are needed to provide technical guidance to growers and to introduce new, improved citrus varieties, said Deputy Convener Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha while speaking at the second meeting of the Chief Minister's Citrus Development Task Force. He proposed support for nursery businesses and the establishment of a development board focused on orchard revival in Sargodha. He also stressed the need for the swift completion of a modern citrus laboratory and the creation of a monitoring unit for orchard evaluation. The meeting was held at Agriculture House, Lahore. It was chaired by Punjab Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani. During the meeting, various proposals for the development of the citrus sector were reviewed. Attendees included Deputy Convener of the Citrus Development Task Force Punjab, Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha, Secretary Agriculture Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, and Secretary Industries, Commerce, and Investment Punjab, Umar Masood. Kirmani emphasized that boosting citrus production is a key priority for the government of Punjab. He noted that kinnow, in particular, is a signature fruit of the province. However, climate change has led to the deterioration of citrus orchards, making them more susceptible to diseases. This has resulted in a decline in fruit size and shelf life, particularly in kinnow. Several practical initiatives were agreed upon during the meeting, including the establishment of a Citrus Park, integration of citrus orchards into the Kissan Card platform, recruitment of 100 agricultural interns and 100 youth for a three-year citrus revival project, and the provision of subsidies similar to those offered in the wheat support programme. Minister Kirmani also underscored the need to regulate fruit nurseries through licensing and registration. He instructed the Bank of Punjab to introduce a loan scheme for farmers operating citrus nurseries. He stressed the importance of enhancing citrus exports and improving the value chain to meet international standards. Under the Chief Minister's Kissan Package, Rs1.2 billion has been allocated for the citrus revival initiative. This funding aims to establish certified nurseries, create new orchards, and boost both citrus production and exports to strengthen the national economy. The minister further stated that the primary goal of the citrus revival programme is to utilize modern agricultural technology to produce certified citrus plants and provide technical support to farmers. The overarching objective is to improve both the yield and quality of citrus through certified plant material. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
15-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
CM doubles Kissan Card loan limit
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has increased the limit of loan through Kissan Card to Rs300,000 from Rs150,000 and announced a subsidy of up to 95 per cent on the solarisation of agricultural tube wells. Addressing a ceremony at the Kala Shah Kaku Rice Research Institute, she also announced the launching of an SMS and helpline system for farmers who do not possess the card. She announced that green tractors would be provided at subsidy to 20,000 farmers next year along with the establishment of agricultural machinery rental centres in every tehsil. The chief minister also congratulated the farmers on the success of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos and commended the performance of all government institutions. She added, "The reduction of inflation from 40% to almost zero is no less than a miracle. During my visit to Lahore, a woman congratulated me on the reduction in vegetable prices. Onions, which used to sell at Rs300 per kg in Punjab, are now available at Rs50." She said reduction in the flour and bread prices had benefited the people. The chief minister said, "Those who tried to create a fissure between the farmers and the government failed miserably. The farmers of Punjab are benefiting from the historic package. The farmers did not listen to the baseless propaganda and grew wheat on my appeal. I assured the farmers to grow wheat without fear and the government would not allow any loss accruing to them." She added, "Instead of support price of wheat, direct subsidy is being given to the farmers. I want to put all the resources at the disposal of our farmers, but some tough decisions need to be made to create a balance in the economy. A support worth Rs5,000 per acre is being given to the wheat farmers. The Punjab government is striving the utmost to reduce the cost of seed, manure, pesticides, electricity bills of tube wells and diesel." She said 85% of the loans acquired through the Kissan Card had been repaid. She maintained, "Earlier, green tractors were available during the tenure of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and now, when the government of Nawaz Sharif came to power once again, green tractors are being given to the farmers." The CM said the growers were getting abundant fertilisers at reasonable prices. She outlined, "Due to early sowing, cotton crop will increase by 30 to 40% and its production will be six million bales this year. The farmers do not be misled by anyone as the government will lend them complete support and will also redress their difficulties and grievances. The coming year will bring more improvement and prosperity." The chief minister launched the scheme for wheat farmers by giving tractors and cash grant in the ceremony. She also inspected latest Chinese tractors on the occasion.
