Punjab to have Kissan Bank, Green Tractor Scheme

LAHORE/MULTAN: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, under a historic package for farmers, has announced launching the Punjab Kissan Bank, the Green Tractor Scheme and the Oil Seed Promotion Program.

Maryam Nawaz and PMLN President Nawaz Sharif on Friday chaired a meeting in which a briefing on the Kissan Package was given. It was principally decided to establish the Punjab Kissan Bank for granting loans to farmers on soft terms. Approval was also granted for the Green Tractor Scheme for farmers. The CM turned down a proposal with regard to disbursement of a mere Rs 6 lakh subsidy on a tractor. She directed giving 70 per cent subsidy on small tractors and 50 per cent on big tractors. On the proposal of Nawaz Sharif, the number of tractors under the Green Tractor Scheme was enhanced by 10,000. She directed completing the first phase of the scheme within a year. It was principally decided to increase the number of tractors every year.

It was apprised during the briefing that owners possessing land from 6 acres to 50 acres would be eligible to apply for the Green Tractor Scheme. The CM approved a high-tech mechanization programme at the local level. International companies in collaboration with local companies will manufacture harvesters and other tools in Punjab. A proposal to grant incentives to international companies for manufacturing latest agricultural tools was reviewed in the meeting. Approval to launch the Oil Seed Promotion Programme in Punjab was granted under which farmers would be persuaded to produce oily edibles in various parts of the province.

The CM said: “For the first time in the history of Punjab, the Rs 400 billion Kissan Package is being granted. Farmers besides being granted agricultural revenue will be given other facilities through the Kissan Card. The prosperity of every farmer along with enhancement in agricultural production is part of our foremost tasks.” Launching solarization of tube-wells and drip irrigation system was also reviewed. The participants were apprised that 47,000 farmers had gone through registration process in 48 hours for acquiring the Kissan Card.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Ministers Sohaib Ahmad, Ashiq Hussain, Special Assistant Rashid Nasrullah, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Secretary Agriculture Iftikhar Sahu and other officers attended the meeting.

Ruda project: Maryam Nawaz on Friday directed ensuring implementation of the Ruda Master Plan along with halting illegal sale and purchase of land in Ruda. It was decided to collaborate with China and other international companies for the completion of Ruda projects. Maryam Nawaz and Nawaz Sharif chaired a meeting in which it was principally decided to enhance forest area in Ruda from 20 per cent to 35 per cent.

The meeting agreed to a proposal to build an international airport in the Ruda twin city project, clean the River Ravi and its expansion to more than 1,000 meters. The chief minister directed ensuring implementation of rules regarding prohibition of construction in the RUDA forest area. A proposal to establish a special police force to check encroachments on the Ruda land was reviewed. CEO Imran Amin, giving a briefing on the Ravi Urban Development Authority, informed that 117 billion gallons of water would be conserved in three lakes. The ground water of Lahore will be charged at 500 cubic feet per second due to development of lakes in the Ruda new city. Five lakh 86 thousand cusec feet water will be conserved through a barrage. Eight waste water treatment plants will be set up for cleaning water from the sewerage coming into Ravi. A village coming into the Ruda project will be made a model village’.

Nawaz said: “We had made a plan to establish a new city on the bank of Ravi in 2013. Others coming into power created obstacles for this project. Strict action should be undertaken against those creating obstacles for the future project of Lahore.” Maryam said: “Ruda should ensure environmental protection in all its projects.”

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Special Assistant Rashid Nasrullah, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, CEO Ruda Imran Amin and other officers attended the meeting.

Multan visit: Maryam Nawaz is expected to visit Multan on June 10 to inaugurate the Hyderabad flyover. She is scheduled to visit the Cardiology Institute and Children’s Complex Hospital. She will get a briefing about the completion of development projects in Multan. She will also meet members of national and provincial assemblies at the Circuit House.