The Punjab government has unveiled a Rs. 7 billion Agriculture Transformation Plan for the Potohar region to support farmers and modernize agriculture. The announcement came during a high-level meeting at the Rawalpindi Commissioner’s Office, chaired by Minister for Agriculture Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani.
The minister said the initiative would prove to be a “game changer” for the prosperity of farmers and the development of the region. Members of the provincial assembly, senior agriculture officials, and divisional commissioners were also present.
Key Initiatives Under the Plan
Officials explained that a R. s4 billion programme will promote modern irrigation and water efficiency. Farmers will receive solar-powered systems, drip irrigation facilities, and laser land levellers with a 70 percent subsidy.
For water conservation, 400 mini dams will be built at a cost of Rs. 1 billion. Around 4,500 acres will be reclaimed using bulldozers, while farmers will be given 25,000 kilograms of quality peanut seed.
To encourage olive farming, cultivation will be supported on more than 3,600 acres with financial assistance per acre and a 50 percent subsidy on oil extraction units. Ginger farming will also be promoted with Rs. 370 million, while fruit plants such as blackberry, fig, avocado, pecan, and apple will be supplied to farmers.
READ MORE: Punjab Plans Rs10bn Tractor Boost in New Budget
Farmer Support Through Subsidies
The Punjab government has also continued its Kisan Card Package, offering interest-free loans to purchase fertilisers, seeds and chemicals. In its second phase, farmers can also use the card to buy diesel and withdraw limited cash.
Through the Chief Minister Green Tractors Programme, 526 tractors have already been distributed in Rawalpindi Division at a subsidy of Rs. 1 million each, while additional tractors are being provided under the More Wheat Production Campaign.
The Agriculture Transformation Plan is designed to strengthen food security, improve water management, and bring economic relief to farming families in Potohar.
