Punjab to Hire 2,000 Agriculture Graduates

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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched the second phase of the Chief Minister Agriculture Internship Programme, which will provide 2,000 agriculture graduates with monthly stipends of Rs60,000.

The initiative is open to students pursuing BSc Agriculture and BSc (Hons) Agricultural Engineering. Applications can be submitted to the respective district-level offices of the deputy director of agriculture (extension). An Agricultural Helpline (0800-17000) has also been activated to assist applicants.

According to the chief minister, the internship programme is designed to benefit both young professionals and the farming community. “The agriculture internship programme not only supports farmers but also provides decent employment to the youth,” she stated during the launch event.

Each district has been allocated a specific quota for the internship slots. The government aims to ensure equal representation and access to opportunities across Punjab.

Maryam Nawaz also highlighted other key agricultural initiatives currently active in the province. These include the Kisan Card Programme, which she said has achieved record success, as well as the Green Tractor Scheme and the Tube Well Solarisation Programme. In addition, the government is working on setting up Model Agriculture Malls to consolidate farming services under one roof.

In a separate statement, the chief minister praised PML-N leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and their economic team for Pakistan’s recent credit rating upgrade by S&P, calling it a positive sign for the country’s financial standing.

Addressing World Drowning Prevention Day, Maryam Nawaz expressed sorrow over recent incidents of drowning caused by floodwaters across Punjab. She reiterated that bathing in canals, lakes, and rivers is strictly banned during the monsoon season.

She said, “Warning signs and strict monitoring are being implemented to enforce the ban on swimming in open waters. Rescue 1122 teams are fully mobilised to respond to any emergencies.” She urged parents to keep children away from flooded areas and advised citizens to stay alert to weather warnings issued by the meteorological department.

The chief minister also paid tribute to Major Ziyad Saleem and Sepoy Nazim Hussain, who were martyred in a terrorist attack in Mastung. She honoured their service and sacrifice for the nation.