Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has approved a Rs. 15 billion wheat support package for farmers across the province under the Kisan Card initiative.
This program provides direct financial aid to wheat growers, with the Punjab government calling it a first-of-its-kind and historic support plan.
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As part of the relief package, wheat farmers will be exempt from irrigation and fixed taxes for the current year. Additionally, a free four-month Electronic Warehouse Receipt (EWR) facility will be offered to protect wheat from climate-related damage and help farmers avoid distress sales.
Under the EWR system, farmers who store wheat will receive an electronic receipt, which can be presented to banks for loans worth up to 70% of the grain’s value within 24 hours.
The government will cover loan markup costs up to Rs. 100 billion for flour mills and licensed buyers. Moreover, Rs. 5 billion has been allocated to support wheat storage. Flour mills and license holders will also be required to purchase wheat and store up to 25% of their total capacity.
Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her commitment to supporting farmers, stating, “Farmers are our brothers — we stand with them and always will.”
