LAHORE, Feb 22 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated Phase-III of the CM Green Tractor Programme and formally launched the process through a draw, here on Sunday.
The CM congratulated the successful farmers and personally telephoned several winners. During a call with Hamza Liaquat from Bahawalpur, she said, “This is your CM Maryam Nawaz speaking. Your name has been selected in the draw and you have won a tractor. Congratulations.”
The chief minister said the Green Tractor Scheme is transforming the agricultural landscape, adding that the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) had always prioritized the welfare and prosperity of farmers.
Provincial Minister for Agriculture Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani briefed the chief minister that 427,000 farmers owning up to five acres of land had applied for Phase-III. He noted that while 20,000 tractors had been distributed over the past 25 years, 31,000 tractors were provided in just two years, setting a record.
Officials highlighted that tractor prices in Pakistan had more than doubled over the last five years, prompting the Punjab government to prioritise the use of agricultural machinery in 2024. Under the programme, two phases had already been completed, with 21,000 tractors distributed, and another 10,000 tractors of 50 to 65 horsepower will be provided in the third phase.
The briefing added that Punjab currently has only about 140 tractors per 10,000 acres, less than half the ratio in many other countries, despite tractors being the most critical machinery for the province’s agricultural economy. Rising prices have made it increasingly difficult for small and medium farmers to purchase tractors at full cost.