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Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab, UK to collaborate on farming and livestock reforms
LAHORE: The Punjab government and the British High Commission have agreed to work together on supporting farmers, dealing with climate change, improving university linkages, better animal breeding and controlling foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) to strengthen agriculture and livestock sectors of the province. The consensus reached during a meeting of the Punjab's Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, with Ben Warrington, Head of the Lahore Office at the British High Commission. Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo was also present. Minister Kirmani said Punjab values the UK's financial help and wants to learn from the UK's experience in the livestock sector. He shared that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has focused on improving agriculture and livestock. Over the past year, the government gave farmers interest-free loans through the Kissan Card and Livestock Card programs. These programs help farmers avoid being exploited by middlemen. He also talked about the transforming Punjab agriculture program, which has a large budget of Rs 400 billion. The government is focusing on modern farming equipment, efficient irrigation, good quality seeds, and new research centers. These steps aim to lower crop costs and increase yield per acre. To reduce smog, the government has given farmers 5,000 subsidized super seeders. It is also setting up four agriculture malls where farmers can rent modern farming machines at low rates. Last year, 9,500 tractors were given to farmers with Rs 1 million subsidy on each. A new loan scheme is also being introduced to help farmers and service providers get high-tech machines. Punjab is also starting a breed improvement program in 10 districts. This program aims to improve milk and meat production. High-quality animal semen will be sold in the market at lower prices. The minister also said that to control FMD, the government will set up two special zones and five compartments in the upcoming budget. This will greatly help in controlling the disease. Ben Warrington praised the steps Punjab has taken in agriculture reforms. He said the UK understands the problems faced by Punjab's farmers and wants to help solve them. Consultant Dr. Muhammad Anjum Ali and Director General of Agriculture Information Punjab, Naveed Ismat Kahloon, also joined the meeting. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Rs1.2bn allocation made to revive citrus industry
LAHORE: The Punjab government has allocated a huge sum of Rs1.2 billion for citrus revival initiative in the province to provide technical guidance to growers and to introduce improved citrus varieties. Pakistan's annual citrus exports have dropped from $200 million to $130 million and urgent efforts are needed to provide technical guidance to growers and to introduce new, improved citrus varieties, said Deputy Convener Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha while speaking at the second meeting of the Chief Minister's Citrus Development Task Force. He proposed support for nursery businesses and the establishment of a development board focused on orchard revival in Sargodha. He also stressed the need for the swift completion of a modern citrus laboratory and the creation of a monitoring unit for orchard evaluation. The meeting was held at Agriculture House, Lahore. It was chaired by Punjab Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani. During the meeting, various proposals for the development of the citrus sector were reviewed. Attendees included Deputy Convener of the Citrus Development Task Force Punjab, Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha, Secretary Agriculture Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, and Secretary Industries, Commerce, and Investment Punjab, Umar Masood. Kirmani emphasized that boosting citrus production is a key priority for the government of Punjab. He noted that kinnow, in particular, is a signature fruit of the province. However, climate change has led to the deterioration of citrus orchards, making them more susceptible to diseases. This has resulted in a decline in fruit size and shelf life, particularly in kinnow. Several practical initiatives were agreed upon during the meeting, including the establishment of a Citrus Park, integration of citrus orchards into the Kissan Card platform, recruitment of 100 agricultural interns and 100 youth for a three-year citrus revival project, and the provision of subsidies similar to those offered in the wheat support programme. Minister Kirmani also underscored the need to regulate fruit nurseries through licensing and registration. He instructed the Bank of Punjab to introduce a loan scheme for farmers operating citrus nurseries. He stressed the importance of enhancing citrus exports and improving the value chain to meet international standards. Under the Chief Minister's Kissan Package, Rs1.2 billion has been allocated for the citrus revival initiative. This funding aims to establish certified nurseries, create new orchards, and boost both citrus production and exports to strengthen the national economy. The minister further stated that the primary goal of the citrus revival programme is to utilize modern agricultural technology to produce certified citrus plants and provide technical support to farmers. The overarching objective is to improve both the yield and quality of citrus through certified plant material. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
15-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
CM doubles Kissan Card loan limit
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has increased the limit of loan through Kissan Card to Rs300,000 from Rs150,000 and announced a subsidy of up to 95 per cent on the solarisation of agricultural tube wells. Addressing a ceremony at the Kala Shah Kaku Rice Research Institute, she also announced the launching of an SMS and helpline system for farmers who do not possess the card. She announced that green tractors would be provided at subsidy to 20,000 farmers next year along with the establishment of agricultural machinery rental centres in every tehsil. The chief minister also congratulated the farmers on the success of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos and commended the performance of all government institutions. She added, "The reduction of inflation from 40% to almost zero is no less than a miracle. During my visit to Lahore, a woman congratulated me on the reduction in vegetable prices. Onions, which used to sell at Rs300 per kg in Punjab, are now available at Rs50." She said reduction in the flour and bread prices had benefited the people. The chief minister said, "Those who tried to create a fissure between the farmers and the government failed miserably. The farmers of Punjab are benefiting from the historic package. The farmers did not listen to the baseless propaganda and grew wheat on my appeal. I assured the farmers to grow wheat without fear and the government would not allow any loss accruing to them." She added, "Instead of support price of wheat, direct subsidy is being given to the farmers. I want to put all the resources at the disposal of our farmers, but some tough decisions need to be made to create a balance in the economy. A support worth Rs5,000 per acre is being given to the wheat farmers. The Punjab government is striving the utmost to reduce the cost of seed, manure, pesticides, electricity bills of tube wells and diesel." She said 85% of the loans acquired through the Kissan Card had been repaid. She maintained, "Earlier, green tractors were available during the tenure of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and now, when the government of Nawaz Sharif came to power once again, green tractors are being given to the farmers." The CM said the growers were getting abundant fertilisers at reasonable prices. She outlined, "Due to early sowing, cotton crop will increase by 30 to 40% and its production will be six million bales this year. The farmers do not be misled by anyone as the government will lend them complete support and will also redress their difficulties and grievances. The coming year will bring more improvement and prosperity." The chief minister launched the scheme for wheat farmers by giving tractors and cash grant in the ceremony. She also inspected latest Chinese tractors on the occasion.
Business Recorder
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Solarization of agri tube wells: CM Maryam announces major subsidy
LAHORE: Announcing enhancement in loan grant through Kissan Card from Rs150,000 to Rs300,000 and a subsidy up to 95 percent on the solarization of agricultural tube wells, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif also announced provision of green tractors on a subsidy to 20,000 farmers next year along with the establishment of rental agriculture machinery centres in every tehsil. She announced launching of an SMS and a helpline system for farmers who do not possess Kissan Card. The Chief Minister while addressing a ceremony at Kalashah Kaku Rice Research Institute congratulated the farmers on the success of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. She paid tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief General Asim Munir, every officer and soldier of the Pakistan Army. She commended the performance of Rangers, Police, Civil Defense, administration and all government institutions. She said, 'Pakistan is proud of its armed forces and the nation stood united and played an important role for the security of our country. Our survival exists with the existence of Pakistan. May Almighty bless our country till eternity, when it comes to national security there should be no disagreement and disunity among our ranks. The politics of hatred caused great damage to Pakistan. When the politics of hatred ended, Pakistan started treading on the path of progress and prosperity once again.' She highlighted, 'When the war started, our enemy used to say that it is a small country and the people living there keep fighting among themselves. Almighty helped and we defeated the enemy. Almighty's help does not come to those who create ill will and hatred. The political, military leadership, the public and the media lent full support to all stakeholders during the war.' She maintained, 'On behalf of our farmers and the citizens, we salute the political and military leadership. It was not a war of borders but a war of ideology and sentiments. After the victory in the war, Pakistan is being recognized as a strong and powerful country across the globe. China, Turkiye and Central Asian countries by maintaining a firm stand with Pakistan is a historic victory.' She added, 'Those who predicted the collapse of Pakistan's economy are now calling it a miracle. The economy of Pakistan is showing a positive turnover in a short span of time due to sincere leadership. The reduction of inflation from 40 percent to almost zero is no less than a miracle. During my visit to Lahore, a woman congratulated me on the reduction in vegetable prices. Onions, which used to sell at Rs300 per kg in Punjab, are now available at Rs50.' The CM said, 'Owing to the reduction in the prices of flour and roti, it has become easier for the poor to have both ends meal. Due to poor performance of previous incompetent government, electricity bills increased sharply. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is working hard to bring down electricity rates. Owing to reduction in electricity rates, electricity bills will also come down. Overseas Pakistanis were prevented from sending remittances to Pakistan, but with the help of Allah Almighty, record foreign remittances are sent to Pakistan.' The Chief Minister said, 'I congratulate those farmers who received free tractors. I also congratulate them on receiving cash support. A great amount of hue and cry was raised that the farmers would face financial difficulties in Punjab. Those who tried to create fissure between the farmers and the government failed miserably. The farmers of Punjab are benefiting from the historic package. The farmers did not listen to the baseless propaganda and grew wheat on my appeal. I assured the farmers to grow wheat without fear and the government would not allow any loss accruing to them.' She added, 'Instead of giving support price of wheat, direct subsidy is being given to the farmers. I want to put all the resources at the disposal of our farmers, but some tough decisions need to be made to create a balance in the economy. A support price worth Rs5,000 per acre is being given to the wheat farmers. The Punjab government is striving to the utmost to reduce the cost of seed, manure, pesticides, electricity bills of tube wells and diesel. People used to discourage by forbidding not giving loans to the farmers as the government will not receive them back. 85% of the money has been returned through Kissan Card.' She maintained, 'Earlier, green tractors were available during the tenure of Nawaz Sharif and now, when the government of Nawaz Sharif came to power once again, green tractors are being given to the farmers. During the wheat cultivation season, seeds and pesticides used to become expensive and there was a shortage of fertilizers. By the grace of Almighty, everyone is getting abundant fertilizers at a reasonable price.' The Chief Minister outlined, 'Due to early sowing, cotton will increase by 30 to 40 percent and its production will be 6 million bales this year. The farmers do not be misled by anyone as the government will lend them complete support and will also redress their difficulties and grievances. The coming year will bring more improvement and prosperity.' She added, 'I earnestly wish to see every farmer to become prosperous and happy in Punjab. Pakistan stands at the forefront in the agricultural sector. Almighty provides means to earn livelihood and the farmer works hard to yield maximum crop.' She also congratulated Provincial Minister for Agriculture Ashiq Kirmani, Secretary Agriculture Iftikhar Sahu and the entire team of the agriculture department. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Ministers hail unity, outline four-year agriculture plan
LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Agriculture Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, Minister for Information Azma Bukhari, and Parliamentary Secretary Shazia Kamran on Tuesday praised the unity demonstrated by the nation in response to Indian aggression, calling it a commendable show of solidarity that boosted the morale of the Pakistan Army. 'Our armed forces, the Chief of Army Staff, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and the Chief Minister of Punjab have made the entire nation proud,' they stated. The ministers also acknowledged the responsible role played by the Pakistani media, noting that their positive attitude and restraint significantly contributed to national resilience and success. Speaking at a joint press conference, Agriculture Minister Kirmani highlighted the vital role of agriculture in Pakistan's economy. He said the Punjab government has prioritized the transformation of all agricultural sectors within just one year and has laid out a practical plan for the next four years. Key initiatives include the adoption of modern seed technology, increased mechanization, and the promotion of high-efficiency irrigation systems. Under the Kissan Card Scheme, over 600,000 farmers have so far benefited, with Rs. 65 billion disbursed in interest-free loans. Of this, Rs. 23 billion has already been repaid by the farmers. In the upcoming phase of the scheme, the number of beneficiaries will rise to between 750,000 and 1 million. The scope of the Kissan Card has been expanded to cover the purchase of diesel in addition to seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. The loan limit has been increased from Rs. 150,000 to Rs. 300,000, and all service charges are being eliminated. In a separate support measure, farmers - regardless of Kissan Card status - are receiving Rs. 5,000 per acre under the Wheat Support Program. As part of the Chief Minister's Green Tractors Program, 20,000 tractors will be distributed in the next fiscal year. Furthermore, 2,000 agricultural graduates will be recruited through the agricultural graduates internship program, and 10 agri-malls will be constructed across the province. To further boost the sector, the agriculture department's budget is being increased from Rs. 64 billion to between Rs85–95 billion. The minister pointed out that last year, the provincial government ensured the availability of urea, seeds, and DAP fertilizers at reduced rates to help farmers lower their production costs. Efforts are also underway to secure federal support for the reduction or elimination of import duties on agricultural inputs and machinery, as well as the introduction of new seed technologies. A formal request has been sent to the Prime Minister in this regard. As part of the mechanization drive, the government is working to increase the availability of locally manufactured agricultural machinery. Interest-free loans will be offered to both farmers and service providers. Minister Kirmani noted that the addition of 200 to 300 new harvesters is expected to bring a significant transformation to harvesting practices. On the crop cultivation front, early cotton sowing has been completed on 900,000 acres, while more than 2.2 million acres out of the 3.5 million-acre target have already been cultivated. Turning to the livestock sector, the minister said Livestock Cards have been issued to promote better animal care. Under the Breed Improvement Program, the government aims to enhance milk and meat production by providing subsidized semen of local breeds. To combat Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), the government will establish ten disease control compartments annually, with two dedicated FMD control zones set to be launched in the next fiscal year. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
