KARACHI: The Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM), representing over 290 manufacturers, has formally requested Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif to expedite the green tractor scheme.
The request, submitted through a letter, highlights the urgent need for government intervention to support the struggling tractor industry.
In the letter, PAAPAM’s Senior Vice Chairman Mumshad Ali highlighted the crucial role of the tractor industry in sustaining Pakistan’s agricultural economy and the formal engineering sector. He noted that the industry, predominantly based in Punjab, has faced significant difficulties recently, impacting the livelihoods of farmers and the operations of local component manufacturers.
In the letter, PAAPAM has called on the provincial government to prioritize the swift implementation of the Green Tractor Scheme to address the current challenges faced by the tractor industry.
The association has proposed reducing the current tractor subsidy from Rs1,500,000 to Rs500,000. PAAPAM suggests increasing the number of tractors distributed under the scheme from 20,000 to 30,000 units and raising the overall limit from 20,000 to 60,000 units.
It has also requested clarification on reports that the number of tractors under the scheme has been reduced from 20,000 to 10,000.
If these reports are accurate, PAAPAM has recommended adjusting both the subsidy and the number of units to 30,000.
The association has also included recent newspaper advertisements that highlight the potential threat of a shutdown in the tractor industry due to ongoing issues.
In his statement, Mumshad Ali expressed optimism that the provincial government would act promptly to support the agricultural and manufacturing sectors in Punjab. He underscored the need for immediate measures to revitalize the industry and improve conditions for both farmers and local manufacturers.