Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday announced a comprehensive Rs341 billion relief package for farmers, with special cash relief for cotton and rice cultivators.
Addressing a gathering of farmers at the Jinnah Convention Centre, the prime minister said he felt the pain of peasants and farmers and wanted to announce the relief package without any delay.
“The package we are giving to farmers is not a favour rather it is incumbent upon the government to do so. We want to lessen your pain,” said he addressing the representatives of the farmers.
He said that, with the cooperation of provincial governments, farmers will be provided Rs5,000 per acre of land, totaling an amount of Rs40 billion.
He announced that the price of fertilizer would be reduced by at least Rs 500 per bag. He also announced that interest-free loans would be given out to farmers to convert tube-wells to solar energy.
He said the government has spent Rs 1 billion to acquire land for Bhasha Dam, adding that the relief package for formers exceeds Rs 1 billion. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also announced steps to enhance the per acre yield of the agro product.
He said that, under the relief package, a fund of Rs20 billion would be setup to cut the prices of fertilizers. The package would provide a reduction in the services charges including fertilisers, pesticides, power for tubewells and tractors price.
“Neither there was electricity and gas nor any peace in the country, Karachi too was miserable before our government assumed charge of the country with ailing economy,” he said.
He said that Pakistan's economic indicators were improving while the international organiations were also expressing confidence in the country.
“This is not what the government is claiming instead this is what the world is saying now,” he added.
He said that all the "big projects" in Pakistan were inaugurated by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.
The prime minister said that Pakistan also witnessed progress in the field of defense besides the economic front.
He said that he had refused to accept a package of five billion US dollars offered to prevent Pakistan from carrying out nuclear tests.
"Had there been anybody else, they would have considered the offer as opportunity to make money. We are not here to make money, rather we spend money from our own pockets," he said.
The prime minister also announced exemption from income tax for farmers producing fruits, vegetables and grains.