By: Riaz Butt
Under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s “Grow More Wheat” program, free green tractors were distributed to successful farmers for the year 2024–25 through a draw.
The tractor distribution ceremony was held at the District Council Hall. The event was attended by Member of the National Assembly Major (R) Tahir Iqbal, Member of the Provincial Assembly Malik Tanveer Aslam Awan, Parliamentary Secretary Chaudhry Haider Sultan Ali Khan, Deputy Commissioner Sarah Hayat, Director Agriculture (Extension) Syed Shahid Iftikhar Bukhari, Assistant Director Agriculture (Extension) Muhammad Arif, and a large number of farmers.
Addressing the ceremony, MNA Major (R) Tahir Iqbal stated that the economy of Pakistan and Punjab relies 72% on agriculture, and the current government is giving special attention to this sector. Therefore, farmers should fully benefit from the incentives being provided by the Punjab government by utilizing modern technology. He said that with laser leveling of land, not only would water be conserved, but farmers could also achieve up to 30% more yield.
MPA Malik Tanveer Aslam Awan stated that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is taking several initiatives for the development of agriculture, which will lead to farmers’ prosperity. He said that the Chief Minister is focusing particularly on water and agriculture in the Potohar region, where small dams are being constructed. These will provide clean drinking water as well as water for agricultural use and help maintain the groundwater level. He urged farmers to take full advantage of the government’s incentives.
Deputy Commissioner Sarah Hayat, while addressing the ceremony, said that the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is the development of farmers and the prosperity of Punjab. Congratulating the recipients of the tractors, she mentioned that applications for numerous small dam schemes in Rawalpindi Division are open. Application forms can be obtained from the Deputy Commissioner’s office or agriculture department offices.
Director Agriculture Extension Rawalpindi Division Syed Shahid Iftikhar Bukhari said that 11 free green tractors are being delivered to farmers in the Chakwal and Talagang districts. A total of 119 applications were received from these districts—06 lucky farmers from Chakwal and 05 from Talagang were selected through a draw. He added that a package of 7 billion rupees has been allocated for farmers, which includes 500 small dams, 2,000 solar panels, and other equipment and facilities. He emphasized that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is well aware of the issues faced by farmers and is actively working on solutions. All officers and staff of the Agriculture Extension Department are available at all times to guide the farmers.
At the end of the ceremony, the Deputy Commissioner, along with members of the National and Provincial Assemblies, handed over the tractor keys to the successful farmers.
