The Punjab government has launched Pakistan’s largest-ever tractor distribution scheme, setting a new national record by providing 30,000 tractors to farmers across the province.
The initiative has been introduced under the vision of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
According to officials, the scheme aims to economically strengthen farmers and improve agricultural productivity by increasing access to modern farming machinery.
Under the first phase of the Chief Minister Tractor Programme, 10,000 tractors with engines ranging from 50 to 75 horsepower have already been distributed to eligible farmers.
The Chief Minister stated that the second phase of the programme has also been completed through a transparent balloting process. This phase includes 10,000 tractors with 75 to 85 horsepower, and their distribution is currently in progress.
To make the tractors affordable, the Punjab government is offering a subsidy of up to Rs1 million per high-horsepower tractor. For this purpose, a total subsidy of Rs10 billion has been allocated.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif further announced that the third phase of the tractor scheme will be launched in January. Under this phase, applications will soon be invited for tractors with 50 to 55 horsepower, targeting small and medium-scale farmers.
In addition to this, the Punjab government has planned to provide large tractors with 100 to 120 horsepower through interest-free loans under the High-Tech Farm Mechanisation Financing Programme. This step is aimed at promoting modern and efficient farming practices.
Officials believe that the tractor scheme will help reduce farming costs, increase crop yields, and support the long-term growth of the agriculture sector in Punjab.