Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif relaunched the CM Punjab Green Tractor Programme, originally initiated by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, by conducting a digital balloting after a 12-year hiatus. She emphasized her government’s commitment to modernizing agriculture in Punjab through mechanization.
Under this scheme, a subsidy of Rs1 million per tractor will be granted to 9,500 farmers. The chief minister also reviewed four types of tractors available for distribution. Following the balloting, Mohammad Yasin from Okara became the first recipient of a ‘green tractor’. A total of 339 farmers in Okara, 111 in Chakwal, and 276 in Dera Ghazi Khan are set to benefit from the programme.
The list of selected farmers has been published on the CM Punjab Green Tractor Scheme portal, the Agriculture Department’s website, and in its offices.
Additionally, the CM announced that 1,000 green tractors would be provided to wheat farmers on land holdings of 25-50 acres free of cost through balloting.
In a separate meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz explored potential partnerships with USAID to integrate green energy and advanced technology to address climate change and pollution. She met with USAID Mission Director Veeraya Kate Somvongsiri, US Consul General Kristin Hawkins, and Arisha Bano of USAID’s Punjab Chapter to discuss mutual interests, including Pakistan-US relations and collaboration across trade, climate change, renewable energy, women’s economic empowerment, healthcare, and education.
The chief minister highlighted various safety initiatives, including ‘pink buttons’ and virtual police stations for women’s protection. Internship programs are underway to foster skilled human resources.
Commenting on Pakistan-US relations, she stated that the partnership is essential for regional peace and development, noting Pakistan’s progress in combating terrorism and extremism. They also discussed expanding investment opportunities and strengthening people-to-people connections between the two countries.
During her address, the chief minister extended Diwali greetings to the Hindu community and announced the establishment of a virtual police station for minorities. She also shared that a special Minority Card would be launched on December 20.
