Punjab CM Approves Rs100b for Wheat Farmers

Download IPFS

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif greenlights Rs100 billion in interest-free loans to boost wheat production and support farmers.

Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif has authorized a Rs100 billion interest-free loan scheme to aid wheat farmers, aiming to enhance agricultural output across the province. The initiative, announced on August 9, 2025, underscores a commitment to strengthening Punjab’s agricultural sector through targeted financial support and reduced input costs.

During a high-level meeting, as reported by The Express Tribune, Sharif directed officials to devise a comprehensive plan to increase wheat production. She emphasized the importance of timely sowing for optimal yields and instructed authorities to ensure an abundant supply of fertilizers before the sowing season. The Chief Minister also advocated for targeted subsidies to provide relief to small-scale farmers, according to ARY News. She stressed that lowering the cost of agricultural inputs, such as seeds and fertilizers, is critical to easing financial burdens on farmers.

The meeting revealed that Punjab farmers have already benefited from Rs63 billion in subsidies over the past two months, with Rs50 billion in interest-free loans distributed via the Kisan Card scheme. Additionally, the Chief Minister’s Wheat Support Programme has provided Rs13 billion in subsidies, boosting fertilizer usage, particularly Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP), as noted in the briefing. Sharif reiterated that the government would offer unwavering support to wheat farmers, ensuring access to essential resources and facilities.

This financial package aligns with Punjab’s broader agricultural strategy, which includes modernizing farming practices. The province has seen a 99 percent loan recovery rate in the first phase of the Kisan Card initiative, demonstrating effective implementation, per The Nation. The Rs100 billion loan plan is part of the second phase of the Agriculture Department’s flagship projects, which also includes distributing 20,000 subsidized tractors and solarizing 7,670 tube wells to enhance efficiency.

Sharif’s initiative positions Punjab as a leader in agricultural support, aiming to secure food security and economic stability through increased wheat production. The government’s focus on practical measures, such as ensuring fertilizer availability and reducing costs, reflects a pragmatic approach to empowering farmers and sustaining the province’s agricultural backbone.