Lahore: In a significant move to rejuvenate the arid regions of Cholistan, Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir inaugurated a pivotal agricultural project on Saturday. This initiative, launched under the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI), aims to revolutionize agriculture in the province, enhancing productivity and sustainability.
A press release from the provincial government detailed that the project will provide farmers with high-quality seeds, fertilizers, modern machinery, and scientific support to boost agricultural yield. The inauguration ceremony took place in the districts of Kande and Chapu, attended by key figures including Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Water Resources Dr. Musadik Malik, Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, and other high-ranking officials.
Central to the project are components such as the Green Agri Mall and Service Company, Smart Agri Farm, and Agri Research and Facilitation Center. The Green Agri Mall and Service Company will offer subsidized high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides directly to farmers. Additionally, advanced agricultural machinery, including tractors and drones, will be available for rent. The Smart Agri Farm will utilize a ‘high-efficiency irrigation system’ across 5,000 acres to maximize yield at minimal cost.
The Agri Research and Facilitation Center will provide farmers with technical assistance and laboratory facilities, including soil testing. This center will collaborate with various research and educational institutions across Pakistan to enhance agricultural output.
During the ceremony, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized agriculture as Pakistan’s “lifeline,” commending the GPI for introducing “state-of-the-art best practices” in the sector. She hailed the initiative as the dawn of a “new era” for Punjab’s farmers. General Asim Munir highlighted Punjab’s role as the “powerhouse” of Pakistan’s agricultural sector, praising GPI’s success and reaffirming the military’s ongoing support for economic development.
Provincial Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani stated that GPI would transform Cholistan from barren land into fertile terrain, ensuring farmers receive all necessary agricultural facilities at government rates. He also mentioned the extension of agricultural machinery rental services to every tehsil in Punjab, marking a significant milestone in agricultural development.
Kirmani outlined various government initiatives supporting farmers, including the Kisan Card, Green Tractor Program, solarization of agricultural tube wells, and the provision of super seeders to combat smog. He stressed the importance of genetically robust, climate-resilient seeds, efficient irrigation systems, and modern agricultural machinery to increase per-acre yield and reduce losses.
He advocated for the introduction of cooperative farming to address the country’s food security challenges, noting that revolutionary reforms in agriculture, alongside modern technology, would enhance the nation’s economy. Kirmani added that provincial, federal, and military agencies are working together to achieve this goal.
