Punjab Launches Phase II of Farmer Support Scheme: Zero Processing Fees, Loans & Green Tractors

Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, has officially approved Phase II of the province’s agriculture support program, bringing major benefits for farmers, including interest-free loans, zero processing fees, and subsidized tractors.

1. Farmer Card Phase II & Interest-Free Loans

• Zero processing fee: The widely used Farmer Card program will now waive the Rs 1,000 processing fee previously charged.
• Loan worth Rs 100 billion: Over 628,000 active cards will be used to distribute interest-free loans to farmers under this phase.
• Agri Loans: Farmers can secure funds for diesel, fertilizer, seeds, and agrochemicals if they own up to 25 acres and are registered via the Farmer Card system.

2. Green Tractor Phase II Rollout

• Subsidized tractors: A total of 20,000 tractors will be available with government subsidies:
  • 5 lakh subsidy for tractors 50–65 HP
  • 10 lakh subsidy for tractors 75–125 HP
• Timeline: Applications open in August, with manufacturing and distribution expected to begin in September.
• Monitoring: Deployment across Punjab will be closely overseen to ensure smooth delivery.

3. Model Agriculture Centers

• The second phase is set to begin across 10 districts such as Faisalabad, Jhang, Okara, Khanewal, Rajanpur, Vehari, Rahim Yar Khan, Sheikhupura, Attock, and Mianwali.
• Agriculture malls in Multan, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, and Sargodha will become operational later this July.

4. Agricultural Internships & Agri-Tech Projects

• Internship contribution: 1,000 agricultural graduates supported 200,000 farmers. Phase II will train 2,000 interns by September, launching field operations in October.
• Tube-well solarization: Nearly 7,670 tube wells have been fitted with solar panels; 652 systems are completed. Over the next five years, 500,000 tube wells are expected to be powered by solar energy under the government’s initiative.

5. Subsidized Agri Machinery & Citrus Expansion

• Tractors: 700 free units already distributed to wheat farmers, with 300 more Green Tractors due in two weeks.
• The government plans to distribute 5,000 super-seeders by October.
• High-tech machinery rollout: 9,000 units to be made available through subsidized financing, with local production underway in partnership with China.
• Citrus revival: Special task forces and pilot projects are underway in Toba Tek Singh and Sargodha to cover 300,000 acres of orchards.

6. Water Conservation & Agri Digitization Initiatives

• Canal lining & laser-leveling: New projects approved along with 1,000 laser-level machines.
• The pilot farming initiative includes the cultivation of olives on 6,000 acres and ginger on 2,000 acres.
• Mobile agri-labs & floriculture center: Testing labs are being deployed across 15 districts, and a flower research centre is planned for Patoki. Digital agriculture services are also expanding in Bahawalpur.

Bottom Line

Punjab’s Phase II agriculture package—announced by CM Maryam Nawaz—marks a significant push toward empowering farmers through no-processing-fee loans, subsidized equipment, green tractors, modern agri-technology, and robust digital & conservation programs. If you’re a registered farmer with 25 acres or less, now is the time to explore this support.