Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a major relief package on Saturday for small farmers struggling with high fuel costs. The step comes as global oil prices have risen sharply due to the ongoing Iran-Israel war and regional tensions.
The new subsidy gives farmers growing wheat on up to 25 acres of land a diesel discount of Rs 150 per liter on 10 liters per acre. This means a farmer with 5 acres can get a subsidy worth Rs 7,500 on diesel. About 336,000 small farmers in Punjab are expected to benefit from this support.
Maryam Nawaz said the government will stand by farmers during these difficult times. “Farmers are the backbone of Punjab and Pakistan’s economy,” she added. She promised to personally check that the subsidy reaches every eligible farmer without delay and in a transparent way. Direct financial help for wheat growers up to 25 acres was also announced as part of the package.
Rising fuel prices have increased the cost of running tractors and other farm machines. Many farmers were worried about higher production expenses for the current wheat crop.
This farmer relief comes together with the Punjab government’s earlier decision for free public transport across the province and subsidies for motorcyclists. The moves aim to ease the burden of inflation on ordinary people and keep food production strong.
The Chief Minister asked officials to start work immediately so farmers can get quick benefit from the diesel subsidy. Many farmers welcomed the announcement and hoped it would help them complete their work on time.
