Lahore, Minister for Agriculture, Punjab Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani has announced the implementation of the “Transforming Punjab Agriculture” program, a 400 billion rupee initiative designed to enhance the agricultural sector in Punjab. This program involves providing interest-free loans to farmers, promoting agricultural machinery, and implementing other significant measures to boost agricultural productivity and infrastructure.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, during a meeting with the World Bank delegation at Agriculture House, Lahore, it was revealed that the World Bank has been partnering with the Punjab Government since 2018 under the Smart Program. This collaboration has led to the development of agricultural infrastructure and revival of agri markets with an investment of 229.750 million dollars, resulting in the establishment of the Punjab Agriculture Marketing Regulatory Authority (PAMRA) and other improvements in agricultural markets.

The ongoing support from the World Bank is also aimed at enhancing agricultural value addition and supporting the livestock sector, which constitutes 60 percent of the agricultural sector’s total share. Minister Kirmani highlighted plans to submit a joint mega program for the approval of the Provincial Cabinet, which will focus on the welfare of small farmers and include steps to advance agricultural research and extension sectors.

The meeting also involved discussions on the Smart-II program, which will further develop agricultural infrastructure and value addition with continued World Bank support. Key officials including Secretary Agriculture, Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, and various directors and representatives from related departments attended the meeting alongside World Bank officials.