On April 16, 2025, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, unveiled a historic and transformative Kisan Package worth Rs. 15 billion, aiming to support wheat farmers and improve the agricultural landscape of the province. This package is being hailed as one of the most farmer-centric reforms in Punjab’s recent history, reflecting the government’s commitment to empower the agrarian community and stimulate economic progress through agriculture.
This landmark initiative is part of a broader strategy under the “Kisan Card” framework to streamline subsidies, financial assistance, and modern agricultural practices.
Background and Context
Punjab contributes over 70% of Pakistan’s wheat production, and agriculture remains the backbone of the province’s economy. Yet, climate challenges, rising input costs, and market fluctuations have made farming a risky profession for small and medium farmers.
Recognizing the urgency, Maryam Nawaz, in her capacity as CM Punjab, launched a well-targeted and comprehensive Kisan Package to offer immediate relief, ensure food security, and enhance crop productivity across the province.
Key Highlights of the Rs. 15 Billion Kisan Package
The Kisan Package announced on April 16, 2025, offers multiple interventions to empower over 550,000 wheat farmers in Punjab. Below are the key components of the initiative:
1. Direct Financial Assistance via Kisan Card
- Around 5.5 lakh registered wheat farmers will receive direct financial aid.
- The Kisan Card will be the sole instrument to transfer this monetary support to ensure transparency and efficiency.
- Funds will help farmers purchase high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and meet cultivation expenses.
2. Tax Exemptions for Wheat Growers
- The government has waived all fixed agricultural taxes and water charges for the year 2025.
- This step reduces the input cost burden and allows more liquidity in farmers’ hands.
3. Introduction of Electronic Warehouse Receipts (EWR)
- Farmers can now store their wheat in approved warehouses free of cost for four months.
- With the EWR system, farmers can use their stored grain as collateral to obtain 70% of the market value as a bank loan.
- This reduces the urgency to sell crops at low prices and prevents exploitation by middlemen.
4. Mark-up Subsidy on Bank Loans
- A Rs. 5 billion subsidy has been allocated to cover interest on loans taken by flour mills and registered grain traders for wheat procurement.
- This will stabilize market demand and ensure fair prices for farmers’ produce.
5. Removal of Inter-District and Inter-Provincial Wheat Transport Ban
- Previous restrictions on wheat transportation have been lifted, allowing farmers to access broader markets.
- This enhances competition, improves pricing, and eliminates artificial bottlenecks in the grain trade.
The Role of the “Maryam Nawaz Launches Rs. 15 Billion Kisan Package: A New Dawn for Punjab Farmers” – Revolutionizing Agricultural Support
TheKisan Package is central to Maryam Nawaz’s farmer policy. It serves multiple purposes:
- Registration and Tracking: Digitally registers all farmers with landholdings.
- Subsidy Delivery: Ensures direct deposit of financial assistance without middlemen.
- Loan Facilitation: Enables farmers to get easy access to credit from government-linked banks.
- Support Services: Links to agri-advisory services, weather alerts, crop insurance, and more.
Punjab government plans to expand the Kisan Card to other crops and farming needs, establishing it as a one-window platform for farmer welfare.
Projected Economic Impact of the Kisan Package
Maryam Nawaz’s Kisan Package is expected to yield short-term relief and long-term transformation of Punjab’s agricultural sector:
| Parameter | Expected Impact |
|---|---|
| Crop Productivity | +20% increase due to better input affordability |
| Market Price Stability | Less exploitation through improved storage and loans |
| Farmer Incomes | 15–25% rise due to tax exemption and direct aid |
| Food Security | Enhanced wheat availability and price control |
| Job Creation | Increased rural employment via agri-supply chains |
Farmer Testimonials and Reactions
Soon after the announcement, farmers across Punjab responded with enthusiasm and optimism.
Rashid Mehmood, a farmer from Sahiwal, shared:
“Pehli baar kisi hukoomat ne humein izzat di hai. Kisan Card aur EWR system ne humein asliyat mein support diya hai.”
Rubina Bibi, a smallholder from Multan, said:
“Mujhe lagta hai ke ab main behtar beej aur khaad le sakti hoon. Mera munafa barhega.”
These reactions show the trust and acceptance among the rural farming community.
🛠 Government Mechanisms to Ensure Transparent Implementation
To ensure that funds reach the intended beneficiaries, the Punjab government has adopted several governance mechanisms:
- Biometric Verification: All disbursements through NADRA-verified Kisan Cards.
- E-Wallet Integration: Funds are transferred to digital wallets, reducing the need for physical cash handling.
- Monitoring Committees: District-level teams are responsible for package rollout, supervised by commissioners and deputy commissioners.
- Real-time Dashboards: A centralized portal tracks fund distribution, warehouse stock, and loan issuance in real time.
Environmental and Sustainability Measures
The package also aligns with climate-resilient farming goals:
- Promotion of Water-Saving Techniques: Drip irrigation, solar tube wells, and laser leveling included under subsidized equipment schemes.
- Organic Farming and Crop Rotation: Awareness campaigns planned through agri-extension services.
- Pest Control and Weather Advisory: Linked mobile alerts to be sent to registered farmers.
These green measures complement financial support and build sustainable agricultural resilience.
Statistical Summary of Kisan Package 2025
| Feature | Figures |
|---|---|
| Total Package Size | Rs. 15 Billion |
| Beneficiary Farmers | 550,000 |
| Tax Relief | Full exemption for 2025 |
| Free Warehouse Storage | 4 Months |
| Loans via EWR | Up to 70% of stored crop value |
| Mark-up Subsidy | Rs. 5 Billion |
| Direct Aid Disbursement | Via Kisan Card |
| Duration of Support Window | April – September 2025 |
Comparison with Previous Farmer Schemes
| Program | Year | Support Type | Transparency | Reach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM Kisan Package | 2020 | Input Subsidy | Manual, some corruption issues | Partial (30%) |
| Kisan Dost | 2022 | Equipment Aid | Delayed distribution | Limited |
| Maryam Nawaz Kisan Package | 2025 | Direct Cash + Credit + Tax + Storage + Loans | Fully digital, real-time tracking | Widest (70%+) |
This clearly shows the superiority and modern structure of the 2025 package under Maryam Nawaz’s leadership.
Long-Term Vision for Agriculture under Maryam Nawaz
Maryam Nawaz has also hinted at a 5-year agricultural transformation plan, which includes:
- Agri-Tech Integration: Satellite monitoring, soil testing, drone spraying.
- Crop Insurance Programs: For flood and drought protection.
- Export Support: Enabling high-quality Pakistani agri-products for global markets.
- Farmer Education: Establishment of Agri Skills Training Centers in all districts.
- Irrigation Reform: Canals and tubewell efficiency enhancement projects.
These ambitious projects reflect a farmer-first vision, positioning Punjab as a national agricultural leader.
Public and Political Reactions
The announcement has been widely appreciated across political and civil society lines.
- Agricultural experts praised the multi-dimensional approach.
- Opposition members acknowledged the package as “practical and necessary.”
- Economists called it a “relief-cum-reform model” for other provinces to replicate.
It also created a positive ripple effect in media, strengthening public confidence in governance.