Maryam Nawaz Announces Rs 3 Crore Interest-Free Loans for Punjab Farmers
Punjab Farmers to Get Interest-Free Loans Up to Rs 3 Crore, Maryam Nawaz Announces
Subheading: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announces interest-free financing for small farmers, plans to recruit 1,000 agricultural interns and pledges further support for the province’s farming sector.
LAHORE, October 29, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced interest-free loans of up to Rs 30 million for small farmers as part of the provincial government’s efforts to strengthen agriculture and improve farmers’ financial conditions.
Addressing a delegation of farmers, the chief minister said the government was introducing measures to make agricultural financing more accessible. According to the announcement, farmers borrowing above Rs 30 million would pay interest at 2 percent, while loans of up to Rs 50 million would carry an interest rate of 5 percent.
Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab Kisan Card programme was benefiting more than one million farmers, with each eligible farmer receiving financial assistance of Rs 150,000 before the sowing season.
She added that the government had taken unprecedented steps to support farmers over the past two years. To improve agricultural services and provide technical assistance, the province plans to recruit 1,000 agricultural interns this year.
Punjab Government Focuses on Agricultural Growth
The chief minister described agriculture as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and said Punjab played a vital role in meeting the country’s food requirements.
She claimed that the provincial government had taken action against the black marketing of fertilisers and agricultural commodities to improve market conditions for farmers.
Maryam Nawaz also directed officials to ensure the implementation of a support price of Rs 4,500 per maund for wheat procurement.
She said Punjab served as the country’s food basket, meeting approximately 70 percent of its food requirements.
Modern Processing Facilities Planned for Crops
The provincial government is developing modern processing parks to improve the grading, storage and handling of mangoes, kinnow and potatoes, along with other agricultural produce.
These facilities are intended to reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality and help farmers obtain better value for their crops.
Action Against Water Theft
Addressing concerns about irrigation, Maryam Nawaz said a strict crackdown on water theft was underway to ensure the fair distribution of water among farmers.
She stressed that irrigation water should reach the tail ends of canals so that small-scale farmers could receive their rightful share without facing unnecessary difficulties.
Punjab Kisan Bank to Become Operational Soon
The chief minister further announced that work on establishing the Punjab Kisan Bank had been completed and that the institution would become operational soon.
The proposed bank aims to make banking and financial services more accessible to farmers and help address the financial challenges they face.
The announcements form part of the provincial government’s broader efforts to expand agricultural financing, improve irrigation management and modernise farming infrastructure across Punjab.
