Lahore, Pakistan – Web Desk: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched Phase 3 of the Green Tractor Programme and initiated the lottery draw for successful farmers under the government’s agricultural support initiative.
During the ceremony, Maryam Nawaz congratulated successful applicants and personally called some of the winning farmers. Speaking to Hamza Liaqat from Bahawalpur, she said: “This is your CM Maryam Nawaz speaking. You have won a tractor in the lottery. Congratulations.”
The chief minister said the Green Tractor Scheme is transforming the agricultural landscape in Punjab and reiterated that the Pakistan Muslim League-N has consistently focused on farmers’ welfare.
Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Karmani briefed that more than 427,000 landowner farmers owning up to five acres applied for Phase 3 of the scheme. He said tractor prices in Pakistan have more than doubled over the past five years, making it difficult for small and medium farmers to purchase tractors at market rates.
According to the briefing, two phases of the scheme have already been completed, with 21,000 tractors distributed so far. Under Phase 3, 10,000 tractors with 50 to 65 horsepower will be provided. Officials noted that Punjab has only 140 tractors per 10,000 acres of farmland, less than half the ratio seen in other countries, highlighting tractors as a critical component of the province’s agricultural economy.
