In a significant move to empower the youth and modernize the agricultural landscape of Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday sanctioned a monthly stipend of Rs70,000 for agriculture interns. This initiative is designed to actively involve young professionals in the province’s vital farming sector, providing them with practical experience and encouraging innovation. The announcement came during a high-level meeting chaired by the CM, where she underscored the importance of bridging the gap between education and hands-on agricultural work.
During the session, Maryam Nawaz highlighted the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” program, which aims to immerse interns in real-world farm management and agricultural innovation. This program is expected to nurture a new generation of skilled agriculturists who will confidently contribute to Punjab’s ongoing agricultural revolution. The CM expressed optimism that the province’s talented youth would play a pivotal role in transforming traditional farming practices into more efficient and technologically advanced operations.
In a pioneering step for Punjab, the Chief Minister also approved the launch of rooftop hydroponic farming projects. This innovative approach allows cultivation on small rooftop spaces as compact as 2 marlas, where between 280 and 350 plants can be grown using specially designed frameworks covered with polythene sheets. The pilot phase will see ten such projects initiated in Lahore, with collaboration planned alongside local housing societies. This method not only maximizes space utilization but also introduces a sustainable, soil-less farming technique that could revolutionize urban agriculture in the province.
Further emphasizing environmental sustainability, the provincial government has given the green light to a solarization scheme targeting 10,000 diesel-powered tube wells across Punjab. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower the carbon footprint of agricultural operations. Additionally, under the Punjab Agriculture Mechanization Project, the government plans to distribute 28,000 super seeders by 2028, enhancing the efficiency of seed sowing and boosting crop yields.
Another major development announced was the approval of the fourth phase of the Chief Minister’s Green Tractor Program. This phase includes increased subsidies to encourage farmers to invest in high-horsepower tractors, with financial support set at Rs1.5 million. Subsidies for low-horsepower tractors have also been raised from Rs500,000 to Rs700,000, making modern farming machinery more accessible to small and medium-scale farmers. These measures are expected to accelerate mechanization and improve productivity across Punjab’s agricultural sector.
In an effort to enhance water conservation practices, Punjab will introduce ground recharge wells specifically designed for on-farm rainwater harvesting. These wells will collect and store rainwater, addressing water scarcity issues and promoting efficient water management for irrigation purposes. This initiative marks a critical step toward sustainable agriculture, ensuring that water resources are preserved and utilized optimally.
Collectively, these comprehensive measures reflect the Punjab government’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a more sustainable, technologically advanced, and youth-inclusive sector. By integrating modern farming techniques, environmental conservation, and financial incentives, the province aims to secure its position as a leader in agricultural innovation while providing meaningful opportunities for its younger generation.
