Maryam’s all-out support to boost tomato, onion production in Punjab

LAHORE: Under directions from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, sustainable measures are being implemented to boost tomato and onion production in Punjab for the first time.

As part of this initiative, a mechanised farming project focusing on vegetables, particularly tomatoes and onions, has been launched with a budget of Rs3 billion. A 70 percent subsidy will be provided for planters, pruners, high-quality seeds, and other agricultural equipment for mechanised vegetable farming, leaving farmers responsible for only 30 percent of the cost.

Additionally, the Punjab government will extend a 70 percent subsidy on pulping units, dryers, and graders to support value addition in vegetable farming. For onion cultivation, Lodhran, Multan, and Vehari districts have been selected, while Khushab, Sheikhupura, and Muzaffargarh districts will focus on tomato cultivation, aiming to expand the cultivated area and productivity.

Farmer enterprise groups of landowners with up to 25 acres will be formed in these six districts. These groups will receive training at Farmers’ Field Schools in modern agriculture and advanced cultivation techniques. Following Maryam Nawaz’s vision, these farmer groups will also gain access to international markets.

The chief minister said, “It is my firm resolve to bring prosperity to Punjab’s farmers. For the first time, Punjab is launching well-organised, coordinated projects to support vegetable cultivation. Mechanised and group farming will not only increase vegetable production but also reduce costs.

Tomatoes and onions are daily essentials, and the Punjab government cannot allow inflated prices for these staples. We will take all necessary steps to ensure the well-being and happiness of our citizens.”

She said, “By the grace of Allah Almighty and through the hard work of all stakeholders, essential edibles are available at the lowest prices in Punjab compared to other provinces. Daily monitoring of essential food prices is also ongoing.”

A helpline, 0800-17000, has been established under the Agriculture Transformation Project. Interested farmers can reach out through the Agriculture Department’s website, Facebook page, or local district irrigation offices for more information on vegetable cultivation.

Meanwhile, the chief minister said violence against women over property disputes is not only saddening but condemnable while taking notice of an incident involving three women assaulted over a property dispute in Sargodha.

She said, “Women and children are my red lines; any incident of violence against them is intolerable.” The chief minister sought a report from the Sargodha RPO and instructed immediate legal action against those responsible.