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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a major relief package for wheat farmers, including free bardana worth Rs6 billion and immediate procurement at Rs3,500 per maund.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Lahore, the chief minister directed authorities to begin wheat procurement without delay and ensure payments to farmers within 72 hours of purchase.
Under the package, registered farmers will receive 10 bags of bardana per acre. The government also decided to prioritise procurement from Kissan Card holders to streamline the process.
To ensure transparency and efficiency, Strategic Management Committees have been established at provincial and divisional levels to monitor procurement operations.
CM Maryam said the government remains committed to protecting farmers’ interests.
“Farmers will not be allowed to suffer under any circumstances,” she stated, adding that sustainable agricultural development is a key priority.
The chief minister highlighted that Rs100 billion in loans have been disbursed through the Kissan Card programme, with a 99 per cent recovery rate and around 900,000 farmers registered.
She added that 20,000 tractors have already been distributed under the Green Tractor Scheme, boosting agricultural mechanisation and supporting local industry.
She also announced the launch of the “Work With Punjab Government” programme, offering internship opportunities to agriculture graduates.
Separately, the meeting approved major road infrastructure projects across the province.
These include the timely completion of the Multan-Vehari Road, as well as in-principle approval of the SL-4 Lahore Ring Road and Sialkot Ring Road Phase-I projects.
The chief minister directed that all ongoing road projects be completed by June 30, noting that improved infrastructure would enhance connectivity from farms to markets and industrial hubs.
CM Maryam reiterated her claim of achieving an “agricultural revolution” within two years, pledging continued support for farmers and long-term sectoral growth.
