LAHORE: With record initiatives aimed at empowering farmers and freeing them from exploitative middlemen, an agricultural revolution is underway in Punjab under the vision of Pakistan Muslim League-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and the efforts of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. According to official figures, more than 800,000 farmers have received Kissan Cards for the first time in the country’s history, while Rs250 billion in interest-free loans have been disbursed within a year — an unprecedented milestone. The Kissan Card scheme has enabled farmers to purchase fertilizer, seed and pesticides directly through registered dealers instead of relying on middlemen. Hundreds of dealers have been registered across Punjab under this scheme, leading to significant growth in agricultural business activity. About 20 percent of farmers have also used the card to purchase diesel, helping them to avoid debt and interest-based borrowing. The Chief Minister said that Punjab’s farmer is the benefactor of the entire country and his hard work cannot be fully repaid. “All resources are available for our farmers. We want to take agricultural development to its peak,” she said, adding that prosperous farmers of Punjab her dream. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025