Gujrat: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced an ambitious expansion of the Kissan Card program on Monday, introducing free tractors, laser levelers, and a suite of subsidies to benefit farmers across Punjab. The news was reported by a source on October 29.
As per details, during the event held in Hafizabad, CM Maryam shared that 10 farmer-centric projects worth PKR 400 billion have been launched within the past six months.
For the first time in Punjab’s history, Kissan Cards worth PKR 150 billion have been distributed, empowering farmers with unprecedented financial support. Addressing attendees at the Kissan Card distribution ceremony, the Chief Minister announced the expansion of Kissan Cards from 0.5 million to 0.75 million. She also pledged free laser levelers for farmers cultivating wheat on 12.5 to 25 acres and free tractors for those with over 25 acres. Additionally, the CM promised agricultural machinery rentals without any markup and expanded the Kissan Card dealer network to 3,000 outlets across Punjab.
The Chief Minister urged farmers to remain hopeful, reassuring them of the government’s support. She noted that interest in the Kissan Card program has spread beyond Punjab, with individuals from other provinces requesting details on Punjab’s farmer-focused initiatives.
CM Maryam further expressed her optimism for Punjab’s future, foreseeing an end to the current wave of sedition, inflation, and lawlessness. “Punjab is rapidly changing. Sedition, riots, and inflated prices are giving way to stability and prosperity. This change reflects the end of divisive politics and a shift towards harmony,” she remarked, adding that Nawaz Sharif’s government is committed to economic revival.
While addressing the gathering, she reiterated her commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests and uplifting their livelihoods. The CM announced plans to transition 7,000 diesel and electric tubewells to solar power, significantly reducing operational costs for farmers. She added that the price of key resources, including seeds and fertilizers, is coming down, ensuring that profits remain with the farmers rather than middlemen.
Former federal minister Saira Afzal Tarar emphasised that the Kissan Card allows farmers to purchase seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides at subsidised rates, capped at PKR 150,000 per card.
