Punjab Unveils Interest-Free Loans for Farmers
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched a High-Tech Farm Mechanisation Financing Programme Portal to modernise Punjab agriculture and boost the province rural economy.
The portal enables farmers, service providers, and agricultural companies to apply for interest free loans of up to Rs30 million for modern farming machinery.
According to the provincial agriculture secretary, the initiative includes 12 categories of high-tech machinery and offers a six month grace period before repayment.
Beneficiaries can repay the loans in quarterly instalments over five years, making it easier to manage finances and ensure long term sustainability in farming.
CM expressed hope that the new financing programme would transform Punjab agriculture sector and significantly improve overall productivity through mechanised farming practices.
She stressed that technological advancement was essential for achieving food security and reducing dependence on manual labour across the province agricultural landscape.
Officials briefed her that equipment from global manufacturers had been included, featuring 27 companies from China, 10 from Turkiye, and five from Italy.
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The machinery offered under this scheme includes rice and wheat harvesters, multi crop planters, maize dryers, silage machines, irrigation systems, and high power tractors.
Meanwhile, Lahore Division Commissioner Marryam Khan imposed Section 144 to restrict crop residue burning near motorways as part of anti smog efforts.
She instructed the relevant departments to strengthen anti smog enforcement, conduct dengue control drives, and ensure proper civic maintenance during the smog season.
Officials confirmed that two brick kilns had been demolished and 14 industrial units were penalised in recent months for violating environmental safety rules.
The commissioner reiterated that the use of substandard fuels, garbage burning, and tyre combustion remained strictly banned under Punjab environmental protection laws.
District authorities identified 958 potholes across Lahore, including damaged road patches and open manholes, with ongoing repair and restoration operations in progress.
The Water and Sanitation Agency confirmed that all 574 water filtration plants under its supervision were operational and supplying safe drinking water citywide.
