In a bid to revolutionize Punjab's agricultural sector and bring about a 'green revolution', Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved a series of groundbreaking projects aimed at modernizing and enhancing productivity in the province. Among the key initiatives is the approval of several agricultural projects, including the introduction of solar tube wells, heralding a new era of sustainable farming practices. With a vision of a "Green Punjab" and contented farmers, these measures are set to bring about significant changes in the agricultural landscape of the region. In a special meeting convened for this purpose, CM Maryam granted in-principle approval to a range of revolutionary and historic measures for farmers, including cementing canals. In the first phase, 1,200 canals will be cemented at a cost of Rs10 billion. In the second phase, 7,000 more canals will be cemented. Furthermore, the chief minister announced that the federal government would be contacted to abolish the high-tech agricultural missionary tax and duty.

Moreover, she also announced plans to provide solar systems to farmers holding up to 25 acres of land over the next two years, marking a significant step towards promoting renewable energy usage in agriculture. Additionally, a subsidy of 60% on 56 types of agricultural machinery was decided upon, along with the distribution of a thousand laser levellers to farmers within the next six months. During the briefing on agriculture-related projects by the agriculture secretary, it was revealed efforts are being made to increase seed production from 400,000 tonnes to 600,000 tonnes. In collaboration with the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, a proposal to cultivate soybean across 100,000 acres of land was also considered. The briefing also highlighted the current tax and duty rates on high-tech agricultural machinery, ranging from 30% to 37%. Furthermore, a mechanization plan is underway, under which agricultural machinery costing Rs2 billion would be purchased within three months.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan