On Sunday, the Phase III of CM Green Tractor Program was officially inaugurated by Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, and is a milestone in the attempt by the provincial government to modernize farming. It was launched with a transparent computerized draw in order to jump-start the distribution process. The Chief Minister made personal contact with some of the winners through telephone during the ceremony, such as Hamza Liaquat of Bahawalpur with whom he was able to tell the news of their success. Maryam Nawaz once again mentioned that the main agenda of her government is to develop the agricultural sector and to provide support to the farmers in the entire Punjab.
The Grand Distribution: Empowering Small Farmers
The program is tailor-made to fill the gaps of small scale cultivators who are in struggles with the increasing prices of agricultural machines. The scheme is showing a lot of interest as pointed out by the Provincial Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani who indicated that there were 427,000 farmers who have five acres of land and they had applied to take part in this particular phase. This project represents an enormous increase in the distribution of government funds; considering 20,000 tractors were distributed during the last 25 years, this government has been able to distribute 21,000 tractors within the last two years alone. This distribution growth is aimed at filling the deficit of mechanization since at present the average number of tractors per 10,000 acres in Punjab is 140 which is far below the international levels applied in agricultural practices.
Key Highlights of Phase III and Program Progress
During this third phase, the government has made it its objective to distribute 10,000 power-rated 50-65 horsepower tractors. These machines are critical in enhancing the productivity of the farms and lowering the manual labor of the small landholder. Officials had informed the Chief Minister that the skyrocketing prices of machinery during the last five years have rendered it almost impossible to purchase equipment at full market prices by the medium and small farmers. Through the accomplishment of the first two phases and achievement in delivery of 21,000 units to date, the program has proved to be a foundation of the provincial agricultural development strategy.
Punjab Green Tractor Scheme Phase III: Eligibility and How to Apply
The government has established eligibility parameters that are not only stringent but also available to the needy to help them enjoy the benefits. The subsidy is open to applicants who are the residents of Punjab and those who possess not more than 5 acres of land. The application is mainly done via the formal Punjab Agriculture Department web portal where a farmer provides his CNIC and land ownership authentication. The last process is a computerized draw as this is done to maintain utmost transparency whereby all the candidates are given a fair and equal opportunity of acquiring high-tech machinery to their fields.
How many tractors are being distributed in Phase III?
A total of 10,000 tractors are designated for farmers in the current third phase of the program.
What is the horsepower of the tractors provided?
The scheme provides tractors within the 50 to 65 horsepower range, specifically chosen to suit small and medium farm operations.
How is the selection of winners conducted?
The government uses a computerized draw system to select winners from the pool of eligible applicants to ensure transparency and merit.
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