Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif along with PML-N President Nawaz Sharif presided over a meeting to finalize the Rs400 billion ‘Kissan Package’ to facilitate the farmers of the province, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

During the meeting, it was decided that in order to offer loans to the farmers on soft terms, the Punjab Kisan Bank would be set up in the province.

CM Maryam also approved “CM Punjab Green Tractor Scheme” for the farmers with a 70 percent subsidy on small tractors and 50 percent subsidy on a big tractor.

On the proposal of Nawaz Sharif, the number of tractors that will be given to the farmers under the Green Tractor Scheme was increased to 10,000.

CM Maryam Nawaz directed that first phase of Punjab Green Tractor Scheme should be completed within one year.

It was apprised during the briefing that owners possessing land from 6 acres to 50 acres will be eligible to apply in the Punjab Green Tractor Scheme.

The CM also approved the start of a high-tech mechanisation programme under which international companies in collaboration with local companies will manufacture harvesters and other agri tools in Punjab.

The proposal to grant incentives to international companies for manufacturing latest agricultural tools was reviewed in the meeting.

The CM also okayed the launching of oil seed promotion programme in the province under which the farmers will be persuaded to sow and harvest oil products in the province.

The CM said in the history of Punjab, record Rs 400 billion Kissan Package was being granted to the farmers through the Kissan Card. On the occasion, CM said the prosperity of every farmer along with enhancement in agricultural production will be promoted.

Moreover, the launching of Solar Tube Wells and Drip Irrigation System was also reviewed during the meeting. The participants were apprised that 47,000 farmers have completed their registration process in 48 hours for acquiring the Kissan Card.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Ministers Sohaib Ahmad Malik, Syed Ashiq Hussain, Special Assistant Rashid Nasrullah, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Secretary Agriculture Iftikhar Sahu and other relevant officers attended the meeting.