LAHORE: Punjab and China signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to promote development, modernization and use of advanced technologies in this regard.
As per details, two B2B MoUs were signed for collaboration in modern agricultural technologies and machinery. Additionally, three MoUs were signed to enhance cooperation in agricultural research and technology, while one MoU was finalized to ensure availability of high-quality seeds for farmers.
Both sides agreed to further strengthen mutual cooperation with China to boost Punjab’s agricultural growth.
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review progress in the province’s agricultural development. Authorities concerned briefed the CM that Punjab has maintained a consistent supply of fertilizers this year, setting a new record. They added that despite market pressures, fertilizers did not become expensive, nor were they hoarded or sold in the black market. They also apprised the CM that from February 2024, prices and supply of DAP and urea remained stable, adding that Punjab has successfully achieved its wheat plantation target in a record time, becoming the leading province in the country. They further briefed her that around 16.5 million acres were brought under wheat cultivation, more than any other province. They added that sale of wheat seeds increased by 27% and urea sales rose by 26% as compared to last year.
Relevant authorities briefed the Chief Minister Punjab that under her direction, a subsidy of Rs 500 per bag was provided on every certified wheat seed bag from Punjab Seed Corporation, adding that the province has achieved a major milestone by issuing 800,000 Kisan Cards for the first time in its history, facilitating farmers with loans worth Rs 250 billion, Rs 160 billion of these loans were used to purchase seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. They further apprised her that loan repayment rate through Kisan Cards reached 96 percent, the highest in Punjab. Authorities concerned briefed her that in South Punjab alone, loans worth Rs 105 billion were disbursed, adding that 8 percent of Kisan Cards were issued to small farmers owning 1–5 acres and 6% of farmers benefited from formal banking for the first time. Officials further briefed her that through Kisan Cards, Punjab’s farmers purchased fertilizers worth Rs 110 billion.
Authorities concerned further briefed Chief Minister that mechanization worth Rs 66 billion played a key role in reducing productivity gap. They added that over two years, 30,000 green tractors worth Rs 25 billion were provided to farmers. They apprised her that under Rs 25 billion high-tech machinery program, modern agricultural equipment also reached far-flung fields. They further briefed her that farmers received 10,000 Super Seeders worth Rs 10 billion, while 20,000 farm-level implements worth Rs 6 billion were distributed for farmers’ convenience. They added that in phase 2 of Green Tractor Scheme, 9,500 tractors were allocated, while 8554 farmers have already received 90% allotment letters. Out of 5030 tractors, 3389 have been delivered. They apprised her that under CM Punjab’s High-Tech Machinery Financing Program, 6077 farmers have been registered, 3536 have submitted complete applications and 2438 applications have been forwarded to Bank of Punjab for credit approval. These applications included requests from 1316 farmers for harvesters and 904 for high-horsepower tractors. Officials concerned apprised her that in order to boost rice cultivation, 169 farmers applied for rice transplanters, 88 for straw balers, and 42 for multi-crop planters. They further briefed her that under CM Farms Machinery Program, 5000 Super Seeders have been distributed. They added that in order to enable wheat cultivation on 1.2 million acres, another 5,000 farmers have been selected under PCAP program. They highlighted that Punjab plans to distribute 20,000 modern farm-level implements over the next three years. They briefed her that 68% subsidy will be provided on 38 types of equipment, adding that a total of 12,000 applications were received for the first batch of 2500 farm level equipment and its distribution will begin in January 2026.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
