The Punjab government has drawn lots for 9,500 high-power tractors under the second phase of the Green Tractor Program. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif formally launched the draw.

The first tractor went to Raja Rafat Abbas of Tehsil Attock, the second to Nuzhat Parveen and the third to Mian Naseer. The Chief Minister congratulated the successful farmers and personally telephoned the farmer Muhammad Ashiq, who was successful in the draw. On this occasion, he said in a pleasant manner:

“How are you? You applied for this tractor, but it did not come out.”

He added in Punjabi, “Congratulations, I called you.”

The Agriculture Secretary briefed the Chief Minister on the second phase of the program and said that farmers with 7 acres or more of land will be able to get tractors of 75 to 125 horsepower. The Punjab government will provide a subsidy of Rs 1 million for high-power tractors.

Under the Green Tractor Scheme Phase II, a total of 20,000 tractors will be subsidized, including 9,500 high-power tractors and 10,000 medium-power tractors. Farmers will be provided with a subsidy of Rs. 500,000 on medium-power tractors (50 to 65 horsepower).

According to the data, 734,000 farmers submitted applications for this phase, out of which 282,000 farmers were declared eligible for the lottery, while 9,500 farmers were successful.

Interestingly, 98 percent of farmers applied for Pakistani-made tractors, while only 2 percent showed interest in large and modern imported tractors. The government has also allowed foreign dealer companies to set up business offices and dealerships in Punjab, given the demand for imported tractors.