Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that the provincial government’s Kisan Card initiative is transforming the lives of farmers by improving access to agricultural financing and reducing their dependence on traditional lenders.
In a statement, the chief minister described the program as a major step toward empowering farmers and promoting financial independence in the agricultural sector.
“Farmers Will No Longer Depend on Middlemen”
Maryam Nawaz stated that the Kisan Card is helping farmers gain direct access to financial resources needed for agricultural activities.
According to her, the initiative is reducing farmers’ reliance on informal credit systems and commission agents, commonly known as arhtis.
“The fortunes of Punjab’s farmers are changing through the Kisan Card program,” she said, adding that farmers would no longer be burdened by debt to middlemen and would be able to live with dignity and confidence.
More Than 832,000 Farmers Issued Kisan Cards
The chief minister revealed that more than 832,000 farmers across Punjab have received Kisan Cards, marking the first time such a large-scale initiative has been implemented in the province.
She said beneficiaries have collectively obtained agricultural loans worth approximately Rs 25.4 billion through the program.
The cards are intended to provide farmers with easier access to financing for seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs.
Significant Agricultural Purchases During Wheat Season
According to Maryam Nawaz, farmers used the financial support available through the scheme to purchase agricultural inputs during the wheat cultivation season.
She stated that farmers acquired agricultural supplies worth around Rs 100 billion, helping them meet production requirements and improve crop management.
Officials believe that easier access to financing can contribute to higher productivity and better farming outcomes.
Strong Loan Recovery Rate Reported
The chief minister highlighted the repayment performance of participating farmers, describing it as a positive indicator of the program’s effectiveness.
According to the figures provided:
- Around 538,000 farmers are responsible for repayments totaling approximately Rs 67 billion.
- The recovery rate has reached 86 percent.
- Farmers have already repaid about Rs 57 billion in installments.
Maryam Nawaz said the repayment record demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility among farmers and reflects the success of the initiative.
Support for Kharif Crops
The program has also been extended to support farmers cultivating Kharif crops, which include major seasonal crops such as cotton, rice, maize, and sugarcane.
The chief minister said that:
- Approximately Rs 90 billion has been made available for agricultural inputs related to Kharif cultivation.
- Nearly 300,000 farmers have already obtained agricultural inputs worth around Rs 30 billion through the Kisan Card system.
The support is intended to help farmers manage rising input costs and maintain agricultural productivity.
Vision of Financial Independence for Farmers
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that one of her government’s key objectives is to place Punjab’s farming community on a path toward financial independence and long-term prosperity.
She said her vision is to see farmers become economically empowered and less vulnerable to financial pressures that have historically affected the agricultural sector.
According to the chief minister, strengthening agriculture remains a priority because the sector plays a vital role in food security, rural livelihoods, and the provincial economy.
Importance of Agriculture in Punjab
Punjab is Pakistan’s largest agricultural province and contributes a substantial share of the country’s crop production.
Millions of people depend directly or indirectly on agriculture for their livelihoods, making access to financing, modern inputs, and support programs critical for economic growth.
Agricultural experts note that initiatives such as the Kisan Card can improve financial inclusion and provide farmers with more structured access to credit, though long-term success will depend on effective implementation and continued support.
Focus on Rural Development
The provincial government has presented the Kisan Card program as part of a broader strategy aimed at rural development and agricultural modernization.
Officials say the initiative seeks to strengthen farmers’ purchasing power, improve productivity, and support sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.
As the program expands, policymakers will be closely monitoring its impact on farm incomes, crop production, and overall rural economic development across Punjab.
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