In a significant move to invigorate the agricultural sector and empower the youth of Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday announced the approval of a monthly stipend amounting to Rs70,000 for agriculture interns. This initiative is designed to actively involve young professionals in the province’s vital farming industry, providing them with practical exposure and fostering innovation. The announcement came during a high-level meeting chaired by the CM, where she highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between education and hands-on agricultural experience.
During the meeting, Maryam Nawaz elaborated on the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” program, which aims to connect the province’s talented youth directly with agricultural activities. Under this scheme, interns will not only manage farms but also spearhead new agricultural technologies and practices, thereby contributing to a transformative agricultural revolution in Punjab. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that this initiative would harness the potential of young minds, enabling them to play a pivotal role in enhancing productivity and sustainability in the sector.
In a pioneering step for Punjab’s agriculture, the CM also approved the rollout of rooftop hydroponic farming projects. This innovative approach allows cultivation on rooftops as small as 2 marlas, where between 280 to 350 plants can be grown using specially designed frameworks covered with polythene sheets. The pilot phase will see ten such projects launched in Lahore, with active collaboration planned with local housing societies. This initiative not only maximizes urban space utilization but also introduces a modern, soil-less farming technique that can significantly boost crop yields.
Alongside these developments, the provincial government has greenlit several environment-friendly agricultural programs. A key component is the solarization scheme targeting 10,000 diesel-powered tube wells across Punjab. By transitioning to solar energy, the government aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower operational costs for farmers, and promote sustainable water usage. Furthermore, the Punjab Agriculture Mechanization Project has set an ambitious target to distribute 28,000 super seeders by 2028, enhancing mechanized farming capabilities across the province.
Another major highlight from the meeting was the approval of the fourth phase of the Chief Minister’s Green Tractor Program. This phase introduces increased subsidies to make modern tractors more accessible to farmers. Subsidies for high-horsepower tractors have been set at Rs1.5 million, while those for low-horsepower models have been raised from Rs500,000 to Rs700,000. These financial incentives are expected to encourage farmers to upgrade their equipment, thereby improving efficiency and productivity on their lands.
In addition to mechanization and energy initiatives, Punjab is set to launch an on-farm rainwater harvesting project featuring ground recharge wells. These wells will capture and store rainwater, addressing water scarcity issues and improving irrigation practices. This initiative represents a crucial step toward better water resource management, ensuring that agriculture in Punjab remains resilient in the face of climate variability.
Collectively, these measures underscore the Punjab government’s commitment to modernizing agriculture by integrating technology, sustainability, and youth engagement. By providing substantial financial support and introducing cutting-edge farming techniques, the government aims to transform Punjab’s agricultural landscape into a more productive, environmentally friendly, and youth-driven sector.
