Lahore: The Punjab government has announced that 25 types of agricultural machinery will soon be available for rent through service providers under the Chief Minister’s High-Tech Financing Program, as claimed by a news article on March 6.
According to the details, the initiative aims to enhance mechanisation, improve productivity, and support small and medium-scale farmers. The announcement was made during a consultative meeting at Agriculture House, Lahore, chaired by Provincial Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani.
Minister Kirmani highlighted the Punjab CM’s commitment to agricultural transformation, noting that over PKR 400 billion has been allocated under the Transforming Punjab Agriculture Program to improve farming infrastructure and practices.
Minister Kirmani emphasised the urgent need for agricultural mechanization, citing that Pakistan’s mechanization rate stands at just 35% compared to 70% in Europe. To address this disparity, the Punjab government is launching Agri-rental services at the tehsil level under the Green Pakistan Initiative Program.
Since access to modern equipment remains a challenge for many farmers, the government is considering interest-free loans of up to PKR 50 million for service providers, importers, manufacturers, and farmer groups looking to acquire agricultural machinery. Stakeholder consultations are underway to finalize the program’s framework for the upcoming budget.
In addition to financial aid, agricultural universities and extension services will collaborate to offer hands-on training for machinery operators and farmers. This will ensure that modern equipment is used effectively, maximising efficiency and output.
As a graduate in English Literature, Zohaib believes that words are not just a mere figment of imagination. It takes wisdom to be good at them. Following this reason, he is pursuing his career as Public Relations and Content Specialist at Zameen.com.
