Islamabad, 15 May, 2025: For the first time in the country’s history, wheat farmers are being given 1,000 tractors free of cost, as part of a major support initiative launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in Kala Shah Kaku on Thursday.
At the Rice Research Institute, the Chief Minister officially inaugurated the programme by handing over the first tractor key to farmer Muhammad Akmal, marking the beginning of a wide-scale drive aimed at improving wheat production and supporting small-scale cultivators.
In another historic moment, Tahira Nasreen, a woman farmer, was also given the tractor key by the Chief Minister herself. In return, Tahira presented Maryam Nawaz with a traditional shawl as a token of gratitude.
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Under this scheme, farmers will receive Rs. 5,000 per acre as direct cash support, aimed at easing their burden during the harvesting season.
Several farmers were awarded grants on the spot. Among them, Haroon Bhatti received Rs. 50,000, Ghulam Sabir was given Rs. 35,000, Muhammad Nawaz got Rs. 30,000, while Muhammad Akram was awarded Rs. 40,000 in cash assistance.
Maryam Nawaz also inspected 75 tractors and a range of advanced agricultural tools recently gifted by China, valued at Rs. 300 million.
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She reviewed 12 new Chinese-made tractors, along with a number of high-efficiency machines including rotavators, rotary tillers, fertilizer seeders, corn harvesters, cultivators, and tree trimmers.
She also looked over modern systems such as crawler-type wet rice combine harvesters, hose sprinklers, and solar-powered water pumping systems, all designed to help farmers.
Officials briefed the Chief Minister on the use of eco-friendly technologies for rice cultivation and other crops. These tools are expected to reduce input costs while improving farm productivity.
Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Agriculture Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani highlighted that the wheat support programme is part of a larger vision to strengthen farmers.
