5,000 seeders, 2,000 rice straw shredders being provided to farmers in 21 Punjab districts: Minister

Punjab Chief Minister Nawaz Sharif's promise to the farmers is being fulfilled today, said Senior Minister Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

Addressing an Agriculture Department event at Rice Research Institute in Kala Shah Kaku, she said many big cities, including Lahore, face smog-related problems.

She added: "The causes of smog include the burning of paddy residue, that's why 5,000 Pak seeders and 2,000 rice straw shredders are being provided to the farmers in 21 districts of the province.

"The present government is taking practical steps for the welfare of farmers. The implementation of the Transforming Punjab Agriculture Plan of 400 billion rupees is ongoing. Several measures are being taken to reduce the production cost of the farmers.

She came hard on the previous government, saying: "No substantial work was done for the development of agriculture in the previous regime."

However, she said the government will use all possible resources for the welfare of the farmers.

The minister added: "It is the dream of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to provide the super seeders and shredders to all the farmers of Punjab."

Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani said that the agriculture sector is the government's top priority.

He added: "Under the Punjab Chief Minister's Transforming Punjab Agriculture Program, Kissan Card is being issued soon to provide interest-free loans of Rs 150 billion. Apart from this, 7300 water channels are being paved.

"Modern agricultural machinery and equipment will be provided to farmers. The present government is implementing a clear road map for the development of the farmers, the fruits of which will start reaping soon."

"More than 10,000 applications were received under which 7,000 lucky farmers will be transparently provided advanced agricultural machinery which will facilitate the disposal of paddy residue and help control smog."