Latest news with #GreenTractorProgramme
Business Recorder
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Punjab's ‘Green Tractor Programme': CCP may take suo motu notice of exclusion of imported tractors
ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) is likely to take suo motu notice of the exclusion of certain categories of imported tractor models from the Punjab government's upcoming 'Green Tractor Programme,' a move that could potentially violate Pakistan's competition laws by limiting market access and reducing consumer choice. Sources confirmed Business Recorder that the CCP is legally empowered to check any move restricting competition in Pakistani market or abuse of domestic position as well as restricted choices to the consumers. According to reliable sources, the Government of Punjab has approved PC-1 for the provision of 9,500 subsidised tractors (ranging from 75 to 125 horsepower) to farmers during the fiscal year 2025-26 under the 'Chief Minister's Programme for Provision of High-Powered Tractors.' A pre-qualification meeting of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and importers was also held recently. Punjab launches green tractor distribution scheme under wheat initiative However, stakeholders have raised concerns that the scheme selectively includes only locally manufactured tractors in the 50–65 HP category, while excluding imported models of similar specifications. The basis for this exclusion remains unclear and may amount to discriminatory treatment in violation of Section 3 and Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2010, which prohibit abuse of dominant position and restrictive agreements, respectively. According to the Punjab Government's Portal, 'The Green Tractor Scheme' gives farmers a subsidy of Rs0.1 million per tractor. Through balloting, the scheme will provide 9,500 tractors to farmers at subsidised prices. Farmers can choose tractors with 50 to 85 horsepower, all manufactured in the country. Locally manufactured tractors and any other local tractor manufactures, Kisan Bhai can get these tractors by just selecting in the online available registration form, according to the Punjab Government's Portal. Sources note that imported tractors—especially those in the 50–65 HP range—often feature advanced fuel-saving technology and other competitive advantages. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
05-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Punjab's Green Tractor push gets industry backing
Listen to article A meeting of senior officials from the tractor manufacturing industry was held at Agriculture House, Lahore, under the Chairmanship of Secretary Agriculture Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo. According to a press statement released on Saturday, while addressing the participants, Secretary Agriculture Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo stated that all possible resources and means are being utilised to implement farm mechanization across the province. Tractors play a fundamental role in this process. On this occasion, representatives of the tractor industry appreciated the Punjab chief minister's Green Tractor Programme. Sharing their views, they mentioned that the tractor industry had been facing a crisis for several years. Before the launch of the Green Tractor Programme, economic pressures had significantly reduced the operational capacity of the industry. This initiative helped in alleviating this crisis, they said. The statement adds that as a result of the Green Tractor Programme, agricultural productivity is expected to rise substantially. The programme also provides support to the local tractor manufacturing industry. Industry stakeholders further emphasised that agricultural mechanisation, in line with modern-day requirements, has become inevitable. The Green Tractor Programme will play a vital role in promoting farm mechanisation. The representatives added that a long-term strategy should be developed to support farm mechanisation. They reaffirmed their commitment to play their important role in advancing farm mechanisation in Punjab. During the meeting, the tractor industry representatives also presented proposals to the government of Punjab for the expansion and continuation of the Green Tractor Programme.
