Maryam Nawaz dedicates her birthday to farmers with relief package

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday dedicated her birthday to the province’s farmers, announcing a relief package and a series of measures for the agriculture sector.

At a meeting with farmers’ representatives, she announced the establishment of the first Apna Kisan Bank, easier loans and expanded agricultural facilities. She said Pakistan’s economic progress cannot move forward without Punjab’s farmers.

Under the package, loans of up to Rs10 million will carry no interest. Loans of up to Rs30 million will be charged two per cent, and loans of up to Rs50 million five per cent.

Under the Kisan Card, the per-acre loan for buying DAP fertiliser will rise by Rs3,500. About one million farmers will benefit.

The chief minister said the government will ensure the wheat support price of Rs4,500 is implemented. She said work is also underway on modern farm machinery, the Green Tractor scheme, water conservation and higher crop yields.

Separately, she inaugurated multibillion-rupee development projects in Mandi Bahauddin. A total of Rs9.8 billion has been allocated for the construction and rehabilitation of the Gujrat-Sargodha Road. Beautification projects for Saddar Bazaar and the Old Ghalla Mandi have also been completed.

She also visited the memorial to the 1849 battle at Chillianwala.