Lahore: In a historic initiative under the Smog Control Program, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched the country’s first and largest Super Seeder Project. The program, which aims to modernize agricultural practices and reduce environmental pollution, was inaugurated at the Rice Research Institute in Kala Shah Kako.
According to Chief Minister of Punjab, the initiative will introduce modern agricultural equipment rental services in every tehsil within 60 days, providing services at zero profit. The project includes the distribution of 1,000 super seeders to farmers in its first phase, with the goal of increasing that number to 5,000 in five years. Farmers will need to pay 5 lakh for a super seeder valued at 13 lakh, with the government subsidizing the remaining 8 lakh. The use of super seeders is expected to prevent environmental pollution.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of public cooperation to eliminate smog, which contributes to the spread of many diseases. She highlighted the government’s immediate response to visible chimney smoke and noted the provision of the latest agricultural equipment to farmers at a 60% subsidy. Furthermore, she acknowledged the successful purchase of agricultural inputs worth ten billion through the Kisan Card.
During the ceremony, Maryam Nawaz addressed the necessity of infrastructure development and criticized previous failed projects, such as the metro project. She also touched on the socio-economic conditions in Punjab, mentioning the influx of people from Kashmir due to affordable living conditions. An elderly farmer expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister by presenting a chador from Madina, acknowledging the supportive initiatives for farmers in Punjab.
The project also includes inspecting and introducing rice harvesters to manage paddy residues and exploring options for efficient spraying using drone technology. The Chief Minister reviewed various modern agricultural machines, including rice transplanters, nursery raising machines, and maize shellers, among others. Secretary Agriculture Iftikhar Sahu provided further details on the project, outlining its goals and objectives under the Smog Control Program.