Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced the provision of interest-free loans of up to 30 million rupees (3 crore rupees) to small-scale farmers, aimed at strengthening the province’s agricultural sector. Addressing a delegation of farmers, Maryam Nawaz stated that for loans exceeding 30 million rupees, a 2% interest rate will apply, while for loans up to 50 million rupees (5 crore rupees), the interest rate will be 5%. She noted that over one million individuals are benefiting from the ‘Kisan Card’ (Farmer Card) program, under which each farmer receives financial assistance of 150,000 rupees prior to the sowing season. She further remarked that the measures taken for the welfare of farmers over the past two years are unprecedented.

To improve the delivery of agricultural services, 1,000 agricultural interns will be recruited this year. Maryam Nawaz emphasized that agriculture serves as the backbone of the national economy. The provincial government has successfully eliminated the black marketing of fertilizers and agricultural commodities. Maryam Nawaz issued directives to ensure the implementation of a support price of 4,500 rupees per maund for wheat procurement. She highlighted that Punjab acts as the country’s “food basket,” meeting 70% of its food requirements. Modern processing parks are being established in the province for the grading and storage of various crops, including mangoes, *kinnows* (mandarin oranges), and potatoes.

Regarding the equitable distribution of water, she stated that a strict crackdown on water theft is underway, ensuring that every farmer—rather than just powerful individuals—receives their rightful share of water. She added that the government is striving to ensure that water reaches the tail-ends of the canal network, sparing small-scale farmers from the hardships often faced in securing their legitimate share. He further stated that the process of establishing the Punjab Kissan Bank—intended to provide financial support to farmers—has been completed, and it will soon become operational. The objective of this initiative is to facilitate farmers’ access to banking services, thereby helping to resolve the challenges they currently face.