The Punjab government is working hard to help farmers. They started two big plans to grow and sell more important crops like soybean, sesame, and canola.
These plans are managed by the University of Agriculture in Faisalabad. They focus on making sure Pakistan grows more of these crops at home and sells them to other countries.
The plans also help create better seeds for farmers to use. The government has set aside a lot of money for these plans. They will help make farming in Pakistan much better.
Scheme 1: SOYBEAN GENETICS AND SEED SUPPLY CHAIN CENTER (SGSSCC)
| Total Allocation Cost: | Rs. 2.337 Billion |
| Gestation Period: | 36 Months (3 Years) |
Goals of the Scheme:
The SGSSCC wants to make soybean farming better in Pakistan. They focus on giving farmers good seeds and showing them new ways to farm.
They also want to help farmers use machines to make farming easier. The plan is to improve how soybeans are used in making chicken feed and cooking oil.
Another important goal is to build strong connections between farmers and companies. They will also work on creating new types of soybeans that are better and stronger.
To do this, they will work with experts from other countries to learn new things and share seeds.
Important Parts of the Scheme:
- Seed Farm Development: Rs. 482.454 Million
- R&D Equipment: Rs. 549.587 Million
- ICT Equipment: Rs. 38.000 Million
- Furniture and Fixtures: Rs. 41.545 Million
- Transport: Rs. 105.500 Million
- Soybean Seed Purchase: Rs. 800.000 Million
- HR Related Costs: Rs. 157.960 Million
- O&M Costs: Rs. 152.000 Million
- Contingencies: Rs. 10.000 Million
Eligibility Criteria for Farmers:
Farmers who grow soybeans can join this plan. They will get help in many ways. The plan helps them get better seeds and learn new ways to farm.
This will make it easier for farmers to grow more soybeans. By being in the plan, farmers can grow better crops and make more money.
The main goal is to help all farmers have more success with their soybean farming.
How to Apply:
The University of Agriculture Faisalabad will give details on how to apply. They will tell farmers what to do next.
The process will be easy to follow. Farmers just need to wait for the information and then they can apply.
This will help them join the program and get the support they need.
Focal Person:
| Name | Dr. Zaheer Ahmed, Incharge Soybean Lab, UAF |
| Contact No. | +92 300 5127165 |
Scheme 2: Import Substitution and Export Enhancement through Promotion of Sesame, Soybean, and Canola
| Total Allocation Cost: | Rs. 472.300 Million |
| Gestation Period: | 3 years (2024-25 to 2026-27) |
Gola of the Scheme:
This plan helps grow more healthy oils like rapeseed, mustard, and canola in our country. It also aims to boost sesame exports, bringing more money to Pakistan.
By focusing on these important crops, the plan wants to change the way we farm. This will help farmers grow better crops and make more money.
The goal is to make farming in Pakistan stronger and more diverse.
Important Parts of the Scheme:
- Demonstration Plots: Setting up plots to show new and better ways to farm.
- Farmer Training Programs: Holding Farmer Training Programs and special Farmer Days to teach farmers new skills and knowledge.
- Awareness Seminars: Hosting seminars to help farmers learn about value chains, storage, and how to export their crops better.
- Subsidy on Agricultural Implements: Giving financial help to farmers to buy tools like small-seeded drills, rotavators, and threshers.
- Seed Availability: Making sure farmers can easily get high-yielding rapeseed, mustard, and canola seeds in the market.
- Support for Edible Oilseed Growers: Helping farmers with support from the All Pakistan Solvent Extractors Association (APSEA).
Benefits of the Project:
This project will greatly increase the amount of oilseeds grown in Pakistan, which will help the country’s economy.
It will also lower the need to buy oilseeds from other countries, saving a lot of money. Many farmer families will get direct support, which will help reduce poverty.
Salient Features:
- Small Seeded Drills: 500 drills are available with a 50% subsidy.
- Rotavators: 500 rotavators are also provided with a 50% subsidy.
- Threshers: 100 threshers can be bought with a 50% subsidy.
- D-Plots for Canola and Sesame: The government is helping set up 600 D-Plots for rapeseed, mustard, and canola, and 150 D-Plots for sesame.
- Farmer Gatherings: There will be 300 gatherings for rapeseed, mustard, and canola, and 45 for sesame, all with government support.
- Training Seminars: The plan includes 60 seminars for rapeseed, mustard, and canola, and 30 for sesame.
Status of PC-I:
The PC-I document is currently under preparation.
Focal Person:
| Name: | Akhtar Hussain, Agriculture Economist (Hqrs.) Directorate General Agricultural (Ext:), Punjab, Lahore |
| Contact No. | 042-99200774 |
Conclusion
The Government of Punjab has started two big plans that will change farming in Pakistan.
With strong financial backing and a focus on research, development, and farmer training, these plans will help farmers grow more and better crops.
This will boost the country’s economy by increasing exports and reducing the need to import crops from other countries.
