Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz approves Kissan Card

LAHORE (92 News) - Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved the Kissan Card to give loans to farmers in the province.

The announcement was made during a meeting held for introducing agricultural reforms on Friday. She said that loans amounting to Rs150 billion will be given to 500,000 small farmers on easy terms through the Kissan Card.

"Farmers will be given an agricultural loan of Rs30,000 per acre for purchasing the best seeds, fertilizers and pesticides. Various subsidies will also be given through the card," she added.

The chief minister directed the Agriculture Department to compile complete data of production and demand of each crop. She also approved to establish state-of-the-art centers of excellence for research and development for cotton, wheat and rice crops.

She announced to establish a research and development center at the cost of Rs2 billion in Agriculture University Faisalabad in collaboration with China.

The meeting also considered a proposal was presented to introduce a law to prevent the use of agricultural land for residential purposes.