Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the ‘Kisan Card Programme’ in Hafizabad, aiming to provide essential financial support to small farmers. The initiative allows farmers to access loans of up to Rs 150,000 per crop season for purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides through their Kisan Cards.
During the launch event, CM Maryam Nawaz announced an expansion of the programme’s budget, increasing the number of Kisan Cards from 500,000 to 750,000. Farmers can register for the programme by sending their ID card number to 8070 from their registered mobile numbers.
In a bid to further support agricultural productivity, the Chief Minister declared that farmers cultivating wheat on 12.5 to 25 acres would receive free laser levelers. Additionally, those with more than 25 acres of land would be provided with free tractors. CM Maryam Nawaz also committed to renting out agricultural equipment to farmers at no profit.
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister outlined plans to solarise 7,000 tubewells and initiate a project worth 35–40 billion rupees to establish rental machinery outlets across Punjab’s tehsils.
In related news, the Lahore High Court (LHC) recently dismissed a petition challenging the inclusion of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s picture on the Kisan Card. Justice Shahid Karim rejected the plea filed by citizen Mashkoor Hussain, who argued that public funds should not be used for personal publicity.
