CM Maryam unveils Rs15bn wheat relief package for farmers

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a relief wheat package for farmers, which includes exemptions on water rates (abiyana) and fixed taxes.

Under the newly approved Wheat Support Fund, a direct financial aid of Rs15 billion will be provided to 550,000 farmers across the province.

The chief minister emphasized her commitment to protecting farmers from losses, stating: 

“I will not let the farmer suffer. If a farmer has cultivated wheat, they will receive full compensation. Farmers are our brothers — we are and will always stand with them.”

As part of the package, wheat farmers will receive direct financial assistance through the Kisan Card. In addition, CM Maryam announced exemptions on abiyana and fixed taxes for farmers.

Key measures include:

- Lifting of restrictions on wheat and flour transportation across provincial and district borders. 

- Provision of 4 months of free storage to protect wheat from weather impacts and market pressure. 

- Implementation of the Electronic Warehouse Receipt (EWR) system, allowing farmers to receive electronic receipts upon storing wheat. These receipts can be used to secure loans up to 70% of the total cost within 24 hours.

The government has also decided to pay the markup on loans of up to Rs100 billion taken from the Bank of Punjab by flour mills and grain license holders for wheat procurement.

Additionally, the Bank of Punjab will finance the restoration and construction of private sector warehouses for wheat storage, with the provincial government covering Rs5 billion in markup.

The government has also decided to make it mandatory for flour mills and license holders to immediately purchase and store wheat equivalent to 25% of their storage capacity, pending cabinet approval.

Lastly, the Punjab government plans to approach the federal government to discuss wheat and wheat-based product exports.