LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the second phase of the Green Tractor Programme by announcing the results of a ballot for 9,500 high-powered tractors across the province.
The first tractor was awarded to Raja Rafat Abbas, the second to Nuzhat Parveen, and the third to Mian Naseer. Extending her congratulations to the successful applicants, the chief minister personally phoned a farmer, Muhammad Ashiq of Kasur, telling him: “I wanted to personally congratulate you on winning a tractor through this draw.” The call, noted by programme observers, was seen as a symbolic gesture of connection with Punjab’s farmers.
During the ceremony, the Secretary of Agriculture briefed the chief minister on the CM Punjab Green Tractor Programme Phase-II, explaining that landholders with seven acres or more would be eligible for tractors ranging between 75 and 125 horsepower.
Green Tractors Programme – Second Phase
Under this phase, the Punjab government will provide substantial subsidies:
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Rs 1 million for high-powered tractors
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Rs 500,000 for medium-powered tractors (50–65 horsepower)
In total, 20,000 tractors are to be distributed with subsidies, including 9,500 high-powered machines and 10,000 medium-powered units. Agricultural guardians monitoring the scheme emphasized that the initiative aims to modernize farming and reduce the financial burden on cultivators.
The chief minister was also informed that nearly 734,000 farmers applied for Phase-II of the Green Tractor Scheme. Of these, 282,000 were found eligible, and ultimately 9,500 names emerged successful in the ballot, under the watchful eye of programme observers to ensure transparency.