Murtaza Mughal, President of Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW), lauded the Punjab Government on Sunday for introducing the Kisan Package, which can revive the agriculture sector and improve food security in the country. He said that through this significant initiative, easy loans will be provided to farmers through the establishment of the Punjab Kisan Bank. He added that the comprehensive package for farmers includes the Green Tractor Scheme, local harvesters and agricultural equipment manufacturing, and the Oilseed Promotion Programme.

Dr Murtaza Mughal said that this package would offer a 70 percent subsidy on small tractors and a 50 percent subsidy on large tractors.

Through the High-Tech Mechanisation Programme, local manufacturing of advanced agricultural equipment in collaboration with foreign companies will be ensured, and incentives will be offered to enhance the agricultural sector’s technological capabilities.

Additionally, he informed that the Oilseed Promotion Programme was approved to encourage different regions of Punjab to cultivate oilseeds, as Pakistan is spending billions on the import of edible oil. Farmers will receive agricultural inputs, along with other benefits and facilities through the Kisan Card. Implementing solar-powered tube wells and the drip irrigation system, both critical components of modernising farm infrastructure, is also under review, and a decision is expected soon.

Dr Murtaza Mughal said that agriculture has never been given importance, so the agricultural country has been forced to import billions of dollars worth of farm products.

Many packages were announced for farmers in the past, but the influential took all the benefits, and the small farmers were deprived.

He said that as long as small farmers are deprived, the country’s food security situation will not improve. He demanded that Punjab Kisan Bank provide loans to small farmers on easy terms to free them from the clutches of moneylenders.

Suppose the package is implemented and merit is ensured. He said that Pakistan can become an agricultural country in the true sense, which will help it overcome economic difficulties, adding that other provinces should also follow suit and announce support packages for farmers.