“Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz announces a historic Rs15 billion wheat package 2025 for over 550,000 farmers on April 16, 2025. Learn how the Kisan Card, tax exemptions, and free wheat storage will revolutionize agriculture in PunjabOn April 16, 2025, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced a groundbreaking Rs. 15 billion wheat support package designed to uplift over 550,000 farmers across the province.
Empowering Farmers Through Direct Cash Assistance via Kisan Card in Wheat Package 2025
One of the most prominent features of this initiative is the direct cash assistance provided to wheat farmers. Through the Kisan Card, eligible farmers will receive immediate financial relief to help cover essential input costs such as fertilizers, seeds, and fuel for irrigation and harvesting. This digitized method of distribution not only ensures transparency but also reduces delays in fund disbursement.
This step comes as a response to increasing complaints from farmers about rising input prices, lack of financial support, and slow procurement processes. With the Kisan Card, farmers will have direct access to government support, bypassing unnecessary bureaucracy and middlemen.
Tax Exemptions to Reduce the Financial Burden through Wheat Package 2025
To further support the agricultural community, CM Maryam Nawaz announced exemptions from fixed and excise taxes for wheat growers during the current season. This decision significantly reduces operational costs for farmers and encourages reinvestment into crop production.
The tax relief initiative recognizes the economic challenges farmers face and reflects the government’s commitment to boosting agricultural productivity while minimizing financial strain.
Free Wheat Storage for Four Months – A Shield Against Market Uncertainty
Post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage and market volatility have long been a concern for wheat farmers in Punjab. In a move to combat this, the Punjab government has introduced four months of free storage for wheat farmers.
This facility ensures that farmers are not forced to sell their produce at low prices due to lack of storage options. By safeguarding harvested wheat against weather-related damage and market instability, this policy empowers farmers to make better, more profitable decisions regarding when and where to sell their produce.
Introduction of the Electronic Warehouse Receipt System (EWR)
A revolutionary component of this package is the Electronic Warehouse Receipt System (EWR). Under this scheme, farmers who store their wheat in certified warehouses will receive an electronic receipt, which can be presented to banks for collateralized loans.
Banks will provide loans worth up to 70% of the stored grain’s value within just 24 hours of receipt submission. This process ensures timely access to credit, allowing farmers to manage their finances and plan future cultivation without waiting for wheat sales to generate liquidity.
By digitizing storage and financial access, this initiative modernizes agricultural finance in Punjab and sets a new standard for rural banking systems in Pakistan.
Rs. 5 Billion Subsidy for Loan Markup Payments&Wheat Package 2025
To reduce the cost of borrowing for wheat storage, the Punjab government will bear the Rs. 5 billion markup on loans taken by farmers. This measure dramatically lowers the financial burden on growers and encourages them to utilize professional storage services and financial institutions.
Such support mechanisms are crucial to making agricultural credit accessible, especially for small and medium-scale farmers who often hesitate to take loans due to high interest rates.
Additional Rs. 1 Billion for Flour Mills and Green License Holders
Recognizing the role of flour mills and private stakeholders in the agricultural ecosystem, the government has allocated Rs. 1 billion to support these entities. Flour mills and green license holders—who purchase and process wheat—will benefit from this fund to ensure they can buy and stock wheat efficiently.
This holistic approach to the wheat supply chain ensures that support is not only provided to farmers but also to downstream actors who play a vital role in keeping the food supply stable and prices regulated.
Proposal to the Federal Government for Wheat Export Approval
To prevent the accumulation of surplus stock and to stimulate market prices, the Punjab government plans to seek approval from the federal government for the export of wheat and wheat-based products. Wheat Package 2025
If approved, this policy could provide farmers with access to international markets, leading to better profitability and currency inflow into the economy. Exporting surplus produce can also help stabilize local market prices and reduce government procurement burdens.
Lifting of the Ban on Inter-Provincial and District Wheat Movement in Wheat Package 2025
In a strategic shift to promote free market activity, the ban on the movement of wheat and flour across provincial and district borders has been lifted. This move is expected to create more market opportunities for farmers, ensure fair price mechanisms, and discourage hoarding.
It will also benefit consumers by improving wheat availability across regions and reducing artificial scarcity often created by inter-provincial trade restrictions.
Financing Private Sector Warehouse Infrastructure
Another innovative step under the wheat package is the collaboration between the Bank of Punjab and private investors for the renovation and construction of wheat warehouses. The government will cover markup payments on loans taken for warehouse construction, encouraging the private sector to invest in modern storage facilities. Wheat Package 2025
This initiative not only boosts infrastructure development but also ensures that high-quality storage options become accessible across rural and semi-urban areas, further reducing post-harvest losses.
A Vision for Sustainable Agricultural Growth: Wheat Package 2025
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized that this Wheat Package 2025 is not merely a short-term relief measure but a vision for sustainable agriculture in Punjab. Her declaration, “I will not let farmers suffer. They are our brothers; we are with them and will continue to support them,” underscores a people-first approach in policymaking.
The comprehensive nature of the wheat package — spanning finance, tax relief, infrastructure, and market reform — reflects a government that is deeply aware of the challenges in rural Punjab and determined to fix them with both immediate action and long-term planning.
Public and Farmer Reactions on Wheat Package 2025
Initial feedback from farmer organizations and agricultural economists has been overwhelmingly positive. The combination of direct assistance, free storage, and modern financial tools has been praised as a balanced and inclusive strategy that tackles core problems faced by farmers.
However, experts also emphasize the importance of efficient implementation and transparency to ensure that the allocated funds are utilized effectively and reach the intended beneficiaries.
Conclusion about Wheat Package 2025
The Rs. 15 billion wheat support package launched by Maryam Nawaz on April 16, 2025, is a historic and transformative step in Pakistan’s agricultural policy landscape. By addressing immediate challenges and laying the groundwork for structural reform, this package holds the promise of revitalizing wheat production, empowering farmers, and ensuring food security for the nation.
As Punjab sets an example for other provinces, the success of this Wheat Package 2025 program could pave the way for similar models in other sectors of agriculture, reinforcing Pakistan’s journey toward sustainable rural development and economic resilience.