Maryam launches Rs400bn Kisan Card project in Punjab

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz launched the largest-ever Kisan Card program worth Rs 400 billion in Punjab on Monday. This initiative marks a historic milestone, as it’s the first time in Punjab’s history that Chief Minister Kisan Cards have been distributed. Within a record six months, the Punjab government has successfully launched the Kisan Card program and operationalized 10 key projects for farmers.

The CM announced plans to increase the number of Kisan Cards from 500,000 to 750,000. Additionally, she pledged to provide free laser levelers to farmers cultivating wheat on 12.5 to 25 acres of land and free tractors to farmers cultivating over 25 acres. Furthermore, the government will offer agricultural machinery on a no-profit rental basis to farmers. To enhance accessibility, the number of Kisan Card dealers will be increased to 3,000.

During a ceremony in Hafizabad, CM Maryam personally distributed Kisan Cards to farmers, congratulating Shah Nawaz Nakokar, Sanaullah, Farhat Razzaq, Abdul Ghafoor, and Tariq Mehmood Gujjar.

Addressing, Maryam highlighted the increasing trend of agriculture and wheat cultivation in Punjab. She emphasized the need to address issues like inflated electricity bills, which negatively impact farmers’ profits. She also stressed the importance of promoting vegetable cultivation in urban areas.

The CM acknowledged the significant contributions of the PML-N government to the agricultural sector, citing the stock market’s surge to 9,100 index points as evidence of economic progress. She expressed her commitment to ensuring affordable food prices for the public while safeguarding farmers’ interests.

CM Maryam urged farmers to trust the government’s efforts and assured them of continued support. She highlighted the positive changes taking place in Punjab, including the decline in inflation and the ongoing shift towards solar-powered tube wells. The government’s focus on direct outreach to farmers, bypassing middlemen, is a significant step towards empowering the agricultural community.

Upon her arrival at the ceremony, CM Maryam was welcomed with a traditional Luddi performance. A documentary showcasing the farmer-friendly initiatives of the Punjab government was also screened. Kisan Card holders can now purchase seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides at subsidized rates of up to Rs 1.5 lakh.

Saira Afzal Tarar, a prominent political figure, emphasized the PML-N’s role in driving development and progress in the country. She assured the public that the momentum of development would continue.

Provincial Agriculture Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani praised CM Maryam for increasing the agriculture budget by a remarkable 250%. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to combat the sale of counterfeit seeds and fertilizers, urging the public to report such incidents to a dedicated helpline.

Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz Sharif formally inaugurated the anti-polio vaccination drive across Punjab, emphasizing the importance of vaccinating children to prevent lifelong disability. She set an ambitious goal of achieving a polio-free Punjab.

At the Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), the CM administered polio drops to a child named Naira and distributed candies to other children after vaccinating them. She met with polio workers, appreciating their efforts and urging them to work diligently. The CM was briefed about the anti-polio app, which will be used to track children who miss vaccinations.

More than 200,000 polio workers will be involved in the campaign, which will run from October 28 to November 3. CM Maryam expressed deep sorrow over the tragic bus accident in Skardu that claimed four lives. She extended her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.