Lahore, (PR) : Minister for Agriculture & Livestock Punjab Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani held a press conference at DGPR Lahore along with Provincial Minister for Information Azma Bukhari. Parliamentary Secretary for Information Shazia Kamran was also present at the occasion.
Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani said that the way the entire nation united against Indian aggression and boosted the morale of the Pakistan Army was commendable. He added, “Our armed forces, the Chief of Army Staff, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and the Chief Minister of Punjab have made the nation proud.” He also praised the role of Pakistani media, saying that their positive attitude and restraint contributed to national success.
He emphasized that agriculture plays a vital role in Pakistan’s economy, with livestock accounting for 60 percent of the sector. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, focused attention has been given to transforming all agricultural sectors within just one year, and a practical plan has also been set for the next four years. Initiatives have been launched to introduce seed technology, mechanization, and high-efficiency irrigation systems. Under the Kissan Card scheme, 600,000 farmers have benefited, with Rs. 65 billion distributed among them. Farmers have already repaid Rs. 23 billion in interest-free loans.
In the next phase of the Kissan Card, the number of beneficiary farmers will increase to between 750,000 and 1 million. They will be able to use the card for purchasing seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and now also diesel. The loan limit has been increased from Rs. 150,000 to Rs. 300,000, and service charges are being removed.
In addition to Kissan Card holders, other farmers are also receiving Rs. 5,000 per acre under the Wheat Support Program. Under the Chief Minister’s Green Tractors Program, 20,000 tractors will be provided in the next fiscal year. Furthermore, 2,000 agricultural graduates will be recruited under the Chief Minister’s Agricultural Graduates Internship Program, and 10 Agri-Malls will be constructed.
The total agriculture department budget is being increased from Rs. 64 billion to Rs. 85–95 billion. Last year, the government ensured the ample supply of urea, seed, and DAP fertilizers at reduced prices to lower production costs.
The Chief Minister Punjab has contacted the federal government to reduce or eliminate import duties on agricultural inputs and machinery and to introduce new seed technology. A letter has also been sent to the Prime Minister regarding this.
Under the mechanization process, significant efforts are being made to increase the availability of locally manufactured machinery to farmers, and interest-free loans will be provided to farmers and service providers. The minister remarked that the arrival of 200–300 new harvesters would bring a revolution in the sector.
This year, early cotton has been sown on 900,000 acres. Out of the target of 3.5 million acres, more than 2.2 million acres have already been cultivated with cotton.
Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani also stated that for the development of the livestock sector, the government has issued Livestock Cards to Livestock farmers for better animal care and initiated measures under the Breed Improvement Program to increase meat and milk production. The government is providing semen of local breeds at subsidized rates.
To control Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), the government will establish ten compartments annually. In the next fiscal year, two FMD control zones will also be created.