Lahore, Chief Minister Punjab has initiated the ‘Transforming Punjab Agriculture’ program with a budget of 400 billion rupees aimed at revitalizing the region’s agriculture sector. This comprehensive effort includes the provision of interest-free loans to farmers, enhancements in agricultural machinery, and several other critical developments.
According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the announcement was made by Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani during a meeting with a World Bank delegation at Agriculture House Lahore. The World Bank’s Manager for Agriculture in Pakistan and India, Mr. Oliver Breadth, highlighted the ongoing collaboration since 2018 under the Smart Program, which has involved substantial infrastructure and market improvements totaling 229.750 million dollars.
These efforts have led to the creation of the Punjab Marketing Regulatory Authority and enhancements in agricultural markets. The program also looks to further develop agricultural value addition and infrastructure with World Bank support, with a particular focus on the livestock sector, which constitutes 60% of the agriculture sector’s total share.