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Business Recorder
29-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab disburses Rs84bn under Kissan Card Scheme
LAHORE: The Punjab government has disbursed Rs 84 billion out of the Rs 100 billion allocated under the Kissan Card Phase-II programme and farmers have so far utilized Rs 45 billion through these cards including Rs 31 billion for fertilizer purchases. The government has so far issued 628,000 Kissan cards under this flagship programme of the provincial government which aims timely provision of agricultural inputs to farmers. This was revealed at a high-level meeting held at Agriculture House, Lahore, under the chairmanship of Provincial Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani to review the progress of ongoing and upcoming initiatives under the Chief Minister's program to transform Punjab's agriculture sector. The Minister speaking at the meeting highlighted that Rs. 12 billion has been distributed to farmers under the wheat support program. In addition, 955 tractors have been handed over through a transparent balloting process. He announced that applications for the second phase of the green tractor program would open in August, under which 10,000 locally manufactured tractors of 50 to 65 horsepower will be offered with a subsidy of Rs. 500,000 each. Another 10,000 tractors, ranging from 75 to 125 horsepower, including both local and imported models, will be made available with a subsidy of Rs. 1 million each. Balloting for this initiative will be conducted at the tehsil level. Regarding infrastructure development, the Minister informed that construction of model agriculture malls has been completed in Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Sargodha. As many as 10 more such malls will be established in the second phase. He further announced that under the second phase of the agriculture graduates internship program, 2,000 additional graduates will be recruited, with applications open until August 8. Under the solarization of agri tube wells program, solar systems of 10, 15, and 20 kilowatts are being offered with subsidies of Rs. 500,000, Rs. 750,000, and Rs. 1,000,000 respectively. So far, 3,350 such systems have been installed across the province. In a move to address environmental concerns, the first and second phases of the smog control program for the distribution of super seeders have been completed. Ahead of the rice harvesting season in September, a total of 5,000 super seeders will be distributed, with priority given to villages near motorways for the delivery of 2,000 units. In a bid to modernize farming practices, the high-tech financing program will provide 11 types of modern agricultural machinery and implements to farmers on subsidy during the upcoming fiscal year. A total of 1,000 machines will be distributed under this program. A substantial Rs. 30 billion has been allocated to provide interest-free loans of up to Rs. 30 million to service providers and farmers for machinery purchases, repayable over five years. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
25-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
China urges acceleration of agri-reforms under CPEC
Listen to article China, Pakistan's neighbour and longstanding economic partner, is pushing for an agricultural revolution in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab, under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, despite structured plans and repeated diplomatic backing, implementation remains slow due to bureaucratic hurdles in Pakistan's agriculture sector. While Beijing is eager to help modernise Pakistan's farming practices, delays from local departments and ministries continue to hinder progress. Chinese officials have long viewed Pakistan, and Punjab in particular, as a key partner in building sustainable agricultural value chains to meet China's rising food demands. In recent years, successive Chinese ambassadors to Pakistan have called agricultural cooperation a win-win opportunity. Yet, despite the diplomatic goodwill and planning, ground-level execution in Pakistan has failed to keep pace. A recent visit by a delegation of Chinese agri-tech firms to Agriculture House in Lahore was the latest effort to energise bilateral cooperation. The delegation, led by senior company executives, met with Punjab's Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, and Secretary Agriculture, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo. Kirmani said Punjab must now embrace technology-led farming. "We believe the time is right for Punjab to step forward and modernise agriculture," he said. "Our government has introduced leasing schemes and subsidies to make modern equipment accessible to farmers. We are also working to expand partnerships that will help bring investment and innovation to the province." He said Punjab's central role in Pakistan's food supply chain makes it critical to adopt solutions that increase yields and reduce labour-intensive practices. Sahoo agreed and added that an enabling environment is being developed for farmers. "We have rolled out interest-free loans through the Bank of Punjab for farm machinery. We're also easing access to modern tools that boost productivity." Yet, the wider transition to modern farming techniques in Punjab has seen limited traction. Dr Khurram Safdar, an agro-economist from Faisalabad, said institutional flaws are to blame. "We're offering technology but ignoring farmer education, extension services, and infrastructure. Without these, adoption stalls," he said. Progressive farmer Amir Shehzad from Sahiwal echoed that concern. "The equipment is too expensive, and there's little guidance on how to use it," he said. "Most farmers aren't tech-savvy. Without practical support and training, even a subsidy won't convince a small farmer to buy a digital machine." China's interests, meanwhile, go beyond machinery exports. In the long run, Beijing hopes to import value-added products like halal meat, fruits, vegetables, and grains from Pakistan. With a population of over 1.4 billion, China is seeking diversified food sources, and Pakistan, with its fertile land and agri-base, has potential to meet part of that demand. "China wants to build long-term agri-supply chains, not just sell tractors and harvesters," said Muhammad Saleem, an agribusiness expert in Lahore. "If Pakistan upgrades its food processing and quality certification systems, it could unlock billions in exports, not just to China but also the Middle East." According to the TDAP, the country's agricultural exports stood at $8 billion in FY24. Punjab contributed over 60% of key crops including wheat, rice, maize, and sugarcane. However, less than 10% of these are processed or packaged for global markets. In the livestock sector, Pakistan exported $512 million worth of meat in FY24, despite producing over 5.5 million tonnes. Safdar said the missing link is post-harvest infrastructure. "Pakistan has the capacity but lacks cold chains, food safety certifications, and logistics. These are pre-requisites to meet Chinese import standards," he said. "The recent visit by Chinese firms shows interest from Beijing is intact. The recent visit by Chinese firms is a clear indication that interest from Beijing is still strong", he said, warning that "unless institutional inefficiencies are addressed and reforms are implemented at the ground level, Pakistan risks missing out on a strategic opportunity to boost its agricultural economy and exports. Technology, credit, and training must reach the farmer, not just sit on paper."
Business Recorder
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab explores Egyptian cotton production technology
LAHORE: A high-level delegation of the Punjab government led by the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani visited the Cotton Research Institute in Egypt and gathered insight about Egypt's long staple cotton. The delegation was briefed by the Egyptian Cotton Institute representatives that 19 Pakistani companies were currently importing long staple cotton from Egypt. The delegation inquired about the production technology of Egyptian cotton and inspected the quality of long staple cotton. The participants also discussed Egypt's cotton export volumes. The Pakistani delegation included Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Usama Khan Leghari, Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, Directors General Agriculture Ch Abdul Hameed and Naveed Asmat Kahloon, Director On-Farm Water Management Hafiz Qaiser Yasin, Project Director PESP Dr. Muhammad Anjum Ali, progressive farmer Hassan Raza, and Private Secretary to the Minister Muzaffar Ali. Later, the delegation also visited the FAO office located in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. During the same visit, the delegation also visited the headquarters of Egypt's National Food Safety Authority and both countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing mutual cooperation in the area of food safety. The delegation at the start of its visit also observed high-value agriculture model farms in Egypt. The delegation visited model farms of citrus fruits, dates, peaches, grapes, olives and mangoes and made a detailed visit to model farms of sugarcane and other crops. The delegation also visited the most modern pack houses of fruits and vegetables. Minister for Agriculture Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani said that the experience of high-value agriculture in the Egyptian desert is worthy of imitation. He further said that the Punjab Agriculture Department will take practical steps to establish agricultural models on the Egyptian model. Practical steps will be taken to introduce the irrigation system model in the desert in Thal and Cholistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Scoop
07-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
East Makira Constituency Delivers Livelihood Assistance To Empower Rural Communities
Press Release – Solomon Islands Ministry of Rural Development This initiative underscores the governments ongoing commitment to uplifting rural communities and fostering sustainable development, especially in EMC under the leadership of the Member of Parliament and Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Honourable … The East Makira Constituency (EMC) office has successfully delivered the remaining Constituency Development Fund (CDF)-funded livelihood assistance and projects to recipients across EMC. This initiative underscores the government's ongoing commitment to uplifting rural communities and fostering sustainable development, especially in EMC under the leadership of the Member of Parliament and Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Honourable Franklyn Derek Wasi. From May 21st to 25th, 2025, EMC Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Mr. Timan Tauni facilitated the distribution of these vital projects to beneficiaries in their respective communities. The assistance is part of a larger $3.7 million livelihood support program delivered to communities and churches in East Makira Constituency earlier this year. Key highlights of the livelihood assistance include: Solar Energy for Vulnerable Groups: A total of 227 solar sets were distributed, with 114 sets allocated to Ward 12 and 113 sets to Ward 17. Priority was given to older adults, widows, and people living with disabilities, ensuring they have access to reliable lighting. 'Solar lights are transformative for rural communities. They enhance safety, improve health, and enable economic activities after dark, all while being environmentally sustainable,' Mr. Tauni explained. Boosting Fisheries and Transportation: Four fishing boats equipped with outboard motor engines (OBMs) were provided to support local fisheries. A transportation project and a fuel depot project were also delivered to address logistical challenges in the region. Edward Kwasi, a fishery project recipient from Santa Catalina Island, shared, 'This OBM will help my family expand our fishing business, meet school fees, and improve our livelihoods. Fishing is our way of life, and this support is a dream come true.' Fuel Depot for Reliable Energy Access: Mr. Chris Wago, a fuel depot recipient from Natorara Village (Ward 17), emphasised the project's importance: 'Fuel shortages have long hindered our fishermen. This depot will ensure a steady supply, support local businesses, and help families like mine thrive.' All recipients signed the 'Recipient Agreement' under Section 19 of the new CDF Act 2023, formalising their commitment to maintain and utilise the projects for their intended purposes. Mr. Tauni urged beneficiaries to safeguard these assets, stating, 'The sustainability of these initiatives lies in your hands. They are not just for personal benefit but for the broader development of East Makira.' Meanwhile, recipients expressed deep appreciation to the national government through EMC Office and Honourable Franklyn Derek Wasi for their unwavering support. 'These projects are more than just assistance—they are opportunities to uplift our families, communities, and the entire constituency,' remarked one beneficiary. The CDF program, facilitated by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), continues to drive social and economic progress in rural Solomon Islands by funding income-generating projects, infrastructure, and essential services.
Scoop
07-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
East Makira Constituency Delivers Livelihood Assistance To Empower Rural Communities
The East Makira Constituency (EMC) office has successfully delivered the remaining Constituency Development Fund (CDF)-funded livelihood assistance and projects to recipients across EMC. This initiative underscores the government's ongoing commitment to uplifting rural communities and fostering sustainable development, especially in EMC under the leadership of the Member of Parliament and Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Honourable Franklyn Derek Wasi. From May 21st to 25th, 2025, EMC Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Mr. Timan Tauni facilitated the distribution of these vital projects to beneficiaries in their respective communities. The assistance is part of a larger $3.7 million livelihood support program delivered to communities and churches in East Makira Constituency earlier this year. Key highlights of the livelihood assistance include: Solar Energy for Vulnerable Groups: A total of 227 solar sets were distributed, with 114 sets allocated to Ward 12 and 113 sets to Ward 17. Priority was given to older adults, widows, and people living with disabilities, ensuring they have access to reliable lighting. "Solar lights are transformative for rural communities. They enhance safety, improve health, and enable economic activities after dark, all while being environmentally sustainable," Mr. Tauni explained. Boosting Fisheries and Transportation: Four fishing boats equipped with outboard motor engines (OBMs) were provided to support local fisheries. A transportation project and a fuel depot project were also delivered to address logistical challenges in the region. Edward Kwasi, a fishery project recipient from Santa Catalina Island, shared, "This OBM will help my family expand our fishing business, meet school fees, and improve our livelihoods. Fishing is our way of life, and this support is a dream come true." Fuel Depot for Reliable Energy Access: Mr. Chris Wago, a fuel depot recipient from Natorara Village (Ward 17), emphasised the project's importance: "Fuel shortages have long hindered our fishermen. This depot will ensure a steady supply, support local businesses, and help families like mine thrive." All recipients signed the 'Recipient Agreement' under Section 19 of the new CDF Act 2023, formalising their commitment to maintain and utilise the projects for their intended purposes. Mr. Tauni urged beneficiaries to safeguard these assets, stating, "The sustainability of these initiatives lies in your hands. They are not just for personal benefit but for the broader development of East Makira." Meanwhile, recipients expressed deep appreciation to the national government through EMC Office and Honourable Franklyn Derek Wasi for their unwavering support. "These projects are more than just assistance—they are opportunities to uplift our families, communities, and the entire constituency," remarked one beneficiary. The CDF program, facilitated by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), continues to drive social and economic progress in rural Solomon Islands by funding income-generating projects, infrastructure, and essential services.
