PM lauds Punjab CM’s Relief Package for Wheat farmers
On April 16, 2025, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a Rs. 15 billion relief package for 550,000 wheat farmers to address falling wheat prices and support growers during the harvest season. The package, praised by the Prime Minister, aims to provide direct financial aid and facilities through the Kisan Card, along with tax exemptions and storage solutions.
Key Features of the Relief Package
- Financial Support: Rs. 15 billion allocated for direct aid to 550,000 farmers via the Kisan Card.
- Tax Exemptions: Waiver on irrigation (abiana) and fixed taxes for wheat farmers in 2025.
- Free Storage: Four-month free Electronic Warehouse Receipt (EWR) facility to protect wheat from climate effects and market pressure.
- Loan Facility: Farmers storing wheat under EWR can obtain a loan up to 70% of the wheat’s value within 24 hours by presenting the receipt to a bank.
- Markup Support: Rs. 5 billion allocated to cover markup on loans up to Rs. 100 billion for flour mills and green license holders for wheat purchases.
- Storage Infrastructure: Bank of Punjab to finance private sector for warehouse construction/renovation, with Rs. 5 billion markup paid by the government.
- Wheat Export: Proposal to allow export of wheat and wheat-based products, pending federal government approval.
- Transport Relaxation: Ban on wheat and flour transport at provincial and district borders lifted.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the relief package, farmers must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Punjab.
- Land Ownership: Farmers cultivating wheat on any scale are eligible, with priority for small-scale growers.
- Kisan Card: Must possess or apply for a Kisan Card to access direct financial support.
How to Apply
- Obtain Kisan Card:
- Visit the nearest Bank of Punjab branch or designated agriculture department office.
- Provide CNIC, proof of land ownership/tenancy, and residency documents.
- Register for the Kisan Card, which facilitates direct aid and loan access.
- Access EWR Facility:
- Store wheat at designated government warehouses to receive an Electronic Warehouse Receipt.
- Present the EWR at a Bank of Punjab branch for loan processing within 24 hours.
- Contact for Support:
- For queries, contact the Punjab Agriculture Department helpline: 0800-17000.
- Visit the official Punjab Agriculture Department website: www.agripunjab.gov.pk for updates.
Additional Benefits
- Kisan Card Features: Provides access to subsidies, loans, and modern farming tools.
- Market Stability: The package aims to stabilize wheat prices, which dropped to Rs. 2,200–2,500 per 40kg against a cultivation cost of Rs. 3,200 per maund.
- Farmer Empowerment: CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized no farmer will face losses, addressing last year’s issues due to wheat imports.
Criticism and Concerns
- Some farmers’ bodies, like Pakistan Kissan Ittehad, rejected the package, claiming it benefits millers more than small farmers.
- Opposition in the Punjab Assembly called the relief a “lollipop,” demanding a minimum support price and direct wheat procurement.
Why This Matters
The package addresses the financial distress of wheat farmers, who contribute over 75% of Pakistan’s wheat. With protests over low prices and surplus from last year’s imports, this initiative aims to ensure food security and farmer welfare.
