LAHORE – The Government of Punjab, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has officially announced the imminent launch of the second phase of its landmark agricultural support program, the CM Punjab Green Tractor Scheme. In what is being described as a "historic project for the welfare of farmers," the new phase will see the distribution of 20,000 tractors to farmers across the province, backed by billions of rupees in government subsidies.
This new phase significantly expands upon the success of the initial program, which provided 9,500 tractors, and comes as a major development for the agricultural community. A key new eligibility requirement has been introduced: farmers must be registered with a Kissan Card to benefit from the scheme. With a clear focus on modernizing the backbone of Punjab's economy, the government has confirmed that applications will be "requested soon."
Scheme Details: A Massive Push for Mechanization
The centerpiece of the Green Tractor Scheme Phase 2 is the sheer scale of the financial support and the number of units being offered. The government's promotional materials confirm that the initiative is backed by "billions of rupees in subsidy," aiming to make modern machinery accessible to a wide spectrum of farmers.
While the exact per-unit subsidy for Phase 2 has not been officially detailed in the new announcements, the previous phase offered substantial financial relief, and this larger program is expected to continue that trend. The most significant figure announced is the number of available tractors.
Total Tractors: A total of 20,000 "Green Tractors" will be distributed in this phase, more than double the number from Phase 1.
This massive injection of modern machinery into the province's agricultural sector is designed to create a revolutionary impact, boosting productivity and providing direct financial relief to tens of thousands of farming families. It aligns with the government's vision of a "Kissan Khushhal, Punjab Khushhal" (A prosperous farmer means a prosperous Punjab).
Mandatory Kissan Card: A Key New Requirement
A critical update for this phase of the scheme is the mandatory registration of farmers in the provincial Kissan Card program. The new promotional materials explicitly state: "To benefit from the Green Tractor Scheme, the farmer must be registered with a Kissan Card."
The Kissan Card is a major e-governance initiative by the Punjab government designed to digitize agricultural subsidies and provide a direct channel for financial support to farmers. By linking the tractor scheme to the Kissan Card, the government aims to:
- Ensure Transparency: It creates a direct, verifiable link between the beneficiary and the subsidy, eliminating middlemen and the potential for corruption.
- Streamline Aid: It ensures that the aid reaches genuine, registered farmers who are actively engaged in agriculture.
- Create a Data-Driven System: It helps the government build a comprehensive database of farmers, their landholdings, and the support they receive, allowing for better policy-making in the future.
Farmers who wish to apply for a tractor are strongly advised to ensure their Kissan Card registration is complete and active to avoid any issues when the application window opens.
Building on Past Success for a Modern Future
The confidence in launching such an ambitious second phase is built on the proven success of the initial program. The government has confirmed that in the first phase, 9,500 tractors were successfully delivered to "lucky farmers through a transparent draw." This track record provides a strong foundation and has generated significant trust and anticipation within the farming community for the upcoming phase.
The scheme is a cornerstone of the Chief Minister's vision for a modern and prosperous agricultural sector, encapsulated in the slogan, "Maryam Nawaz's Dream... Punjab that Yields Gold." Agricultural experts have long identified a lack of modern mechanization as a primary obstacle to increasing crop yields and ensuring national food security. Many small farmers in Punjab are still reliant on inefficient, decades-old machinery or costly manual labor.
By providing access to new, fuel-efficient tractors, the scheme directly addresses this challenge. It allows farmers to complete tasks like plowing, seeding, and harvesting more quickly and effectively, reduce their input costs, and ultimately increase their profitability. This modernization effort is crucial for the sustainability of Punjab's agricultural economy, which serves as the breadbasket for the entire nation.
How to Prepare for the Application Process
While the official application dates are yet to be announced, the flyers state that applications "will be requested soon." Farmers interested in the scheme should begin preparing now to ensure they are ready.
Key Preparatory Steps:
- Kissan Card Registration: This is the most important first step. Visit the nearest agriculture office or designated center to register for the Kissan Card if you have not already done so.
- Gather Documents: Based on previous schemes, farmers will likely need copies of their CNIC, proof of land ownership (fard), and other relevant documents.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on official announcements from the Punjab Agriculture Department through its official website and Facebook page. The provided Agricultural Helpline (0800-17000) is also a valuable resource for information.
The selection process is expected to follow the previous model of a "transparent, computerized draw," ensuring that every eligible applicant has a fair chance of being selected. The government is emphasizing a merit-based and transparent process to build and maintain public trust in this landmark initiative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much subsidy is being offered in the Green Tractor Scheme Phase 2?
The Government of Punjab is offering a substantial subsidy, reportedly valued at billions of rupees. Based on previous phases, this can amount to up to Rs. 600,000 per tractor, significantly reducing the cost for farmers.
2. Is a Kissan Card mandatory to apply for a tractor?
Yes. A key new requirement for Phase 2 is that all applicants must be registered with the Kissan Card program to be eligible. Farmers are advised to complete their registration before the application window opens.
3. How many tractors will be distributed in this phase?
A total of 20,000 tractors will be distributed across Punjab in Phase 2, which is more than double the 9,500 tractors delivered in the first phase of the scheme.
4. How are the farmers selected for the scheme?
To ensure fairness and transparency, the beneficiaries are selected through a computerized lucky draw (balloting) from the pool of all eligible applicants. This process is designed to eliminate favoritism.
5. Can I apply if I already received a tractor in Phase 1?
No, the scheme is specifically for farmers who have not previously benefited from any government tractor initiatives. Only one subsidized tractor is allowed per household across all scheme phases.