The Punjab government has successfully registered 0.725 million farmers for the Chief Minister’s Punjab Kisan Card. Secretary of Agriculture, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, announced that the registration process is on track, and they aim to reach 1 million farmers by August 31st. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to support farmers by providing them with easy access to necessary agricultural resources.
| Key Point | Details |
| Number of Registered Farmers | 0.725 million farmers registered |
| Target by August 31st | 1 million farmers |
| Registration Method | Through SMS |
| Kisan Card Availability | Bank of Punjab branches at the tehsil level |
Contents
Progress on the Kisan Card Program
During a meeting at Agriculture House, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo emphasized the importance of accelerating the awareness campaign to meet the registration target. He mentioned that 0.315 million farmers’ data had been sent to the Bank of Punjab for processing. The bank is expected to share a list of focal persons at the district and tehsil levels with the Agriculture Department to facilitate the Kisan Card distribution. From September 1st, farmers will be able to get their Kisan Cards at Bank of Punjab branches across tehsils.
Additional Benefits for Farmers
The Secretary also discussed proposals to allow a 25% cash withdrawal facility through the Kisan Card. This feature would enable farmers to access cash for their immediate needs. Additionally, the government plans to start receiving applications under the CM’s Punjab Green Tractor Scheme soon. This scheme is targeted at farmers with 1 to 25 acres of land and aims to help them convert their agricultural tube-wells to solar energy with a 67% subsidy.
Addressing Climate Change Impact on Agriculture
Climate change is having a severe impact on agriculture in Pakistan, with crops like sesame, rice, and cotton suffering due to extreme heat. The Pakistan Kisan Itehad (PKI) warned that the heat wave has drastically reduced crop yields. For example, sesame yields have fallen from 10-12 mounds per acre last year to just 2-3 mounds this year. Similarly, cotton production has also decreased significantly. PKI President Khalid Mahmood Khokhar emphasized the need for an agriculture emergency in the country to address these issues.
Urgent Measures Needed for Farmers
In addition to the drop in yields, prices for crops like rice and cotton have also fallen, putting further financial strain on farmers. Khalid Mahmood Khokhar called for a reduction in fertilizer prices and lower electricity rates for agricultural tube-wells. He pointed out that the high costs are driving some farmers to extreme measures, including suicide, as they struggle to pay their bills.
Conclusion
The Punjab Kisan Card initiative is a critical program designed to support farmers by providing them with the resources they need to improve crop production. With the registration process nearing its target, and additional benefits like cash withdrawal and subsidies for solar tube-wells, the program is set to make a significant positive impact on the agricultural sector. However, addressing the challenges posed by climate change remains crucial to ensuring the long-term success of these efforts.
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FAQs
What is the purpose of the Punjab Kisan Card now?
The Punjab Kisan Card is designed to help farmers access essential resources like seeds, fertilizers, and sprays more easily, supporting their agricultural activities.
How does the Kisan Card support small farmers?
The Kisan Card is particularly beneficial for small farmers, as it provides them with access to interest-free loans and other resources, helping them improve their crop yields without financial strain.
What is the role of the Bank of Punjab in the Kisan Card initiative?
The Bank of Punjab is responsible for distributing the Kisan Cards to registered farmers and managing the financial transactions related to the card, including any proposed cash withdrawal facilities.
How does climate change affect the benefits of the Kisan Card?
While the Kisan Card provides vital resources, climate change continues to impact crop yields, making it essential for farmers to use these resources efficiently to combat the negative effects on their production.