Punjab has introduced a landmark Rs30 billion High-Tech Farm Mechanisation Financing Programme, bringing advanced Chinese agricultural machinery to modernise farming across the province. The initiative, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, represents a significant advancement in agricultural technology for Pakistan’s largest food-producing region.
A New Era of Smart Farming
Launching the program through a digital portal, the Chief Minister described it as the beginning of a new era in Punjab’s agriculture.
“This is not just a subsidy scheme, it’s a revolutionary transformation,” she said. “We’re empowering farmers with cutting-edge technology to boost yields, reduce losses, and ensure prosperity for our Kisaan.”
Easy Financing for Farmers
The programme offers interest-free loans up to Rs30 million, giving farmers, agri-service providers, and companies access to high-tech machinery. It includes a six-month grace period and a five-year repayment plan. The Bank of Punjab will cover 80% of machinery costs, while applicants will contribute 20% equity.
Modern Machinery and Global Partnerships
Officials revealed that 12 types of advanced equipment will be introduced. These include wheat and rice combine harvesters, rice transplanters, multi-crop planters, nursery machines, straw balers, maize cob dryers, silage harvesters, orchard sprayers, and high-power tractors.
The machinery comes from global manufacturers, 27 from China, 10 from Turkiye, 5 from Italy, and others from Japan, the USA, Brazil, Spain, and Belarus. Notably, Chinese firms such as Huzhou Liangyi, Shandong Dafeng, Jiangsu World, Changfa, Weichai Loval, and Zoomlion dominate the list. Their contribution includes modern harvesters and irrigation systems tailored to Punjab’s needs.
Boosting Irrigation Efficiency
China’s irrigation expertise will also play a key role. Companies like Vodar, Shandong Yihi, and Shenzhen Dianyingpu are providing centre-pivot irrigation systems to improve water-use efficiency across Punjab’s canal-fed plains.
Expert Insights and Future Impact
Experts call the initiative a turning point for Pakistan’s agriculture. According to Dr Saif-ur-Rehman of PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Chinese technology can cut harvest time by weeks and reduce post-harvest losses significantly. He added that the program will help farmers mechanise every stage, from planting to irrigation to storage, strengthening food security and expanding Sino-Pak agricultural cooperation.
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