Owing to the special efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the federal government has allowed farmers in Punjab to export kinnow and potatoes through alternative routes.
On the directions of the chief minister Punjab, the provincial government had approached the federal authorities for the formation of a high-level committee to facilitate exports of kinnow and potatoes from Punjab. A committee headed by the Deputy Prime Minister sought representation from relevant ministries and key stakeholders to address the matter in a coordinated manner.
The Punjab government had also urged the federation to explore new international markets and reduce export-related costs to ease difficulties faced by exporters and farmers. Practical measures are being taken on a daily basis to resolve issues related to kinnow and potato exports and to maximise foreign exchange earnings.
Punjab produces around 95 per cent of the country’s total output of potatoes and kinnow. During the current year, potato production in Punjab is expected to reach around 12 million tonnes, while kinnow production is projected at 4 million tonnes.
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the hard work of potato and kinnow farmers would not be allowed to go to waste. She added that she remained in contact with the Prime Minister of Pakistan to help farmers overcome their difficulties.
The Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also added that the provincial government was fully aware of the challenges faced by growers and was providing resources with an open heart to promote agricultural development and ensure farmers’ prosperity.
On the directions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the provincial government has decided to launch a unique initiative, Agriculture Lab on Wheels, to provide agricultural services directly at the doorsteps of farmers.
Under the programme, mobile agriculture laboratories will be established in 15 districts of Punjab. Through these mobile labs, farmers will be able to obtain on-the-spot soil and water analysis reports, enabling accurate assessment of soil fertility and water quality for improved crop planning and productivity.
A central control room will monitor the operations of the mobile laboratories to ensure efficiency and transparency. In addition, 100 container-based farmer facilitation centres will be set up across all districts of Punjab to further strengthen agricultural extension services.
These container farmer centres will be equipped with data call centres, agriculture officers, digital tools and other essential facilities to provide timely guidance and technical support to farmers.
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the initiative would ensure the provision of immediate and accurate agricultural information at farmers’ doorsteps, helping them make informed decisions. She added that farmer-friendly measures were expected to result in a record wheat yield during the current season.
The chief minister Punjab further stated that multiple projects aimed at farmers’ welfare, including the Kissan Card scheme and tractor-related initiatives, were already under implementation, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector.
Separately, Maryam Nawaz has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic loss of a mother and her two daughters in a fire incident in Arifwala.
The chief minister Punjab extended her heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family, sharing in their pain during this difficult time.
She also directed the authorities concerned to ensure a strict ban on the sale and purchase of substandard gas cylinders in order to prevent such incidents in the future.