LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the Phase-III of CM Green Tractor Programme and formally launched the process through a draw.
She congratulated successful farmers and personally telephoned several winners. During a call with Hamza Liaquat from Bahawalpur, she said, “This is your CM Maryam Nawaz speaking. Your name has been selected in the draw and you have won a tractor. Congratulations.”
The chief minister said the Green Tractor Scheme is transforming the agricultural landscape and added that Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) had always focused on welfare and prosperity of farmers.
Provincial Minister for Agriculture Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, while briefing the chief minister, said 427,000 farmers owning up to five acres of land had applied for Phase-III of the scheme. He said that while 20,000 tractors were distributed over the past 25 years, 31,000 tractors had been provided to farmers in just two years, setting a record.
The briefing noted that tractor prices in Pakistan had more than doubled over the last five years, prompting the Punjab government to prioritise the use of agricultural machinery in 2024. Under the programme, two phases had already been completed and 21,000 tractors distributed, while another 10,000 tractors of 50 to 65 horsepower would be provided in the third phase. Officials said that Punjab currently had only about 140 tractors per 10,000 acres — less than half the ratio in many other countries — despite tractors being the most critical machinery for the province’s agricultural economy. Rising prices had made it increasingly difficult for small and medium farmers to purchase tractors at full cost.
Separately, CM Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow and grief over the passing of noted poet Salman Gilani. In her condolence message, she extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul.
