Farmers growing paddy (rice) in Punjab will be eligible for a rental subsidy of up to Rs. 25,000 under the provincial government’s ‘Punjab Clean Air Program’. Under the scheme, farmers who use a super seeder will receive a subsidy of Rs.5,000 per acre, up to a maximum of Rs.25,000. The program is aimed at encouraging the use of super seeders and reducing the burning of crop residue, a practice that contributes to air pollution and smog in Punjab. Farmers who use a super seeder to sow their rice crop can apply for the rental subsidy.

The subsidy will be available at a rate of Rs.5,000 per acre, with the maximum amount capped at Rs.25,000 per farmer. The scheme will apply to farmers in 23 districts of Punjab, including Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Chiniot, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Multan, Lodhran, Khanewal, Vehari, and Bahawalnagar. Farmers can register online through the official website of the Agriculture Department, Punjab. www.agripunjab.gov.pk

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)