RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Government has taken a massive step to modernize farming in the Potohar region. On Wednesday, Punjab Minister for Agriculture, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, officially inaugurated the highly anticipated Potohar Agriculture Transformation Plan.
Launched under the directive of the Punjab Chief Minister, this mega project brings a massive investment of PKR 7 billion to help local farmers increase their crop production and adopt modern, sustainable farming practices.
Major Subsidies for Farmers
The best part of this plan is the direct financial help being offered to farmers. The government is providing heavy subsidies to solve the region’s biggest problem: water shortage.
Here is what farmers can get under the new plan:
Solar Irrigation: Installation of 1,700 lift irrigation systems powered by solar panels. The government is giving a massive 70% subsidy on these.
Mini Dams: Construction of 400 mini dams across the region. Farmers will receive a subsidy of PKR 1.75 million per unit.
Land Development: Support for developing 4,500 acres of land, with farmers receiving PKR 77,000 per acre in subsidies.
Boosting Fruit and Crop Production
Besides water management, the Potohar Agriculture Transformation Plan focuses heavily on horticulture (growing fruits and plants). The region’s climate is perfect for certain high-value crops, and the government is supplying the following at subsidized rates:
Olive Orchards: Establishment of over 3,500 acres of new olive farms.
Peanut Farming: 25,000 kilograms of certified peanut seed will be provided at concessional prices.
Fruit Plants: Distribution of 30,000 plants of blackberry, fig, grape, and nectarine.
Specialty Trees: Supply of 15,000 citrus plants and 14,000 plants of avocado, pecan nut, plum, and apple to encourage diverse farming.
A Green Revolution for Potohar
Secretary Agriculture Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, highlighted that providing modern equipment and high-quality plants will completely transform the agricultural landscape of the region. This PKR 7 billion initiative is not just about growing more crops; it is about smart farming, crop protection, and saving water. By shifting to solar energy and building mini-dams, the farmers of Potohar are stepping into a modern, highly profitable era of agriculture.
FAQs
Q: What is the Potohar Agriculture Transformation Plan? A: It is a PKR 7 billion project launched by the Punjab Government to modernize farming in the Potohar region by providing subsidies on solar irrigation, mini-dams, and high-value fruit plants.
Q: How much subsidy is the government giving on solar irrigation? A: Under the new plan, the Punjab Government is providing a 70% subsidy on the installation of solar-powered lift irrigation systems.
Q: What is the subsidy amount for building a mini-dam in Potohar? A: Farmers will receive a direct subsidy of PKR 1.75 million per unit for the construction of mini-dams.
