Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz has pledged full support to farmers, announcing a comprehensive plan to equip them with modern agricultural machinery during a meeting chaired by CM Maryam, as reported in a news article on March 8.
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According to the details, CM Maryam highlighted the decision to provide farmers with 56 different types of agricultural machinery at subsidised rates, totalling PKR 2 billion. Over the next six months, 1000 laser levellers will be distributed to enhance farming practices.
Additionally, the meeting approved a program aimed at reinforcing water channels across Punjab to prevent irrigation water wastage. In the first phase, 1200 water channels will be solidified, followed by 7000 more in the second phase, with an investment of PKR 10 billion. The focus is on conserving water resources in the province.
Efforts to combat smog and promote sustainable farming practices were also discussed, with plans to liaise with the federal government to waive taxes on rice straw shredder machines. Furthermore, a two-year mechanisation plan was outlined, involving the provision of 23,000 agricultural equipment and 2,280 laser land levellers to farmers, amounting to PKR 13.4 billion.
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In a bid to promote renewable energy in agriculture, approval was granted for the Solar Tube well Project, targeting farmers with up to 25 acres of land over the next two years.