PAD provides first batch of harvesters to farmers

LAHORE: The Punjab Agriculture Department (PAD) on Wednesday provided first batch of combine harvesters to farmers and service providers under the ‘High-Tech Farm Mechanization Financing Programme.’ A ceremony was held at Millat Factory, where Minister for Agriculture & Livestock Punjab, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, distributed the keys of combine harvesters among successful farmers and service providers. On this occasion, the management of Millat Factory gave a detailed briefing to the Provincial Minister, highlighting that farmers have received significant relief under the Green Tractor Programs, while the domestic tractor industry has also benefited considerably. During the ceremony, the Minister for Agriculture Punjab conducted a detailed inspection of modern tractors and harvesters and also visited various sections of the factory, including equipment manufacturing, the assembling hall, and other production units. Special Secretary Agriculture Punjab Agha Nabeel Akhtar, Director Generals of the Agriculture Department Punjab Zahid Mushtaq Mir and Naveed Asmat Kahloon were also present. Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Agriculture Punjab Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani said that so far 6,700 applications have been received under the High-Tech Farm Mechanization Financing Program. He added that out of 5,056 approved applications on the portal, interest-free loans have been sanctioned to 1,139 farmers and service providers. Furthermore, as a result of bookings by 280 applicants, 102 have already been provided with agricultural machinery. He emphasized that the provision of modern technology to farmers is the foremost priority of the Chief Minister Punjab, and the use of modern agricultural machinery has become essential to increase agricultural productivity and reduce costs. He stated that public-private partnership is a key requirement of the present era for promoting agricultural development. The Provincial Minister further stated that encouraging results of the Chief Minister Punjab Agriculture Transformation Plan are emerging, and over 30,000 units of agricultural machinery have been provided to farmers on subsidy over the past two years. He urged local manufacturers to come forward and play their role in promoting high-tech farm mechanization for this national cause. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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