Punjab CM announces Wheat Farmer Support Programme
Stay tuned with 24 News HD Android App
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced Rs110 billion record package for wheat farmers of the province, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday.
According to the details, no subsidy is being given to wheat farmers of any other province except Punjab.
After approval, Rs25 billion will be disbursed among wheat farmers under Wheat Farmer Support Program.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed to provide Rs5,000 per acre to wheat farmer of the province while Rs25,000 will be given to farmer who will grow wheat on 5 acre of agriculture land.
Key highlights of wheat package:
Wheat farmers will receive direct cash assistance through the Kisan Card to help cover input costs.
Farmers are being granted exemptions from fixed and excise taxes for the current wheat season.
To protect harvested wheat from weather damage and market fluctuations, farmers will have access to four months of free storage.
Electronic Warehouse Receipt System: Under the new system, farmers storing their wheat will receive an electronic receipt, which can be submitted to banks to secure loans of up to 70% of the grain's value within 24 hours.
Subsidized Markup on Loans: The Punjab government will pay Rs5 billion in markup on loans taken for wheat storage. Additionally, Rs1 billion will be allocated for flour mills and green license holders to help finance wheat purchases.
The provincial government has decided to seek federal approval for the export of wheat and wheat-based products, aiming to stabilize prices and reduce surplus.
In a major policy shift, the government has lifted the ban on the movement of wheat and flour across provincial and district borders, allowing freer trade and access to markets.
The Bank of Punjab will finance the renovation and construction of wheat warehouses by the private sector, with the provincial government covering the associated markup costs.
CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the new package aims not only to offer immediate relief but also to build long-term sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Reporter: Rao Dilshad Hussain