Image Source: UrduPoint
In a strong push to empower the agricultural community, Punjab government has successfully issued 750,000 Kisan Cards under the second phase of the Kisan Card Scheme. This milestone signifies major progress in providing farmers access to interest-free loans worth Rs 96 billion, aimed at supporting agricultural inputs, machinery, and modernization efforts that enhance productivity and sustainability.
Key Highlights: Launch and Impact of Phase II
The Punjab Agriculture Minister, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, announced that under Kisan Card Phase II, 750,000 Kisan Cards have been distributed, marking a robust expansion of the scheme.
Through these cards, farmers receive seamless credit access, enabling timely purchases of fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, fuel, and other essential inputs without upfront cash constraints.
Interest-free loans totaling Rs 96 billion have been sanctioned, buttressing farmers’ financial capacity and reducing dependency on informal lending sources with exorbitant rates.
The scheme’s integration with digital banking and mobile payment platforms facilitates convenient transactions and promotes transparency in fund usage.
Comprehensive Agricultural Support Measures
Alongside the Kisan Card issuance, the government is advancing other key projects such as local and imported tractor balloting (75 to 125 horsepower models) and operationalizing four Agri-Malls offering modern agricultural equipment and services.
The Chief Minister’s Solarization of Agricultural Tube Wells Programme has installed over 6,600 solar-powered irrigation systems to promote clean energy and cost savings for farmers.
Recruitment under the Agriculture Graduates Internship Programme has been bolstered with 2,000 new professionals trained to support agricultural innovation and extension services.
Flood relief activities remain in focus, with thousands of officials deployed and fodder supplies regularly delivered to affected livestock owners.
Benefits and Features of the Kisan Card Scheme
The Kisan Card Scheme offers farmers a low-cost, easy-to-access credit line with minimal paperwork and hassle-free approvals.
It enables short-term and investment loans for crop cultivation, farm equipment, minor irrigation, and allied agricultural activities.
Cardholders benefit from interest subvention and repayment incentives, making loans financially sustainable.
The card system supports both input purchases and cash withdrawals, with banks leveraging biometric Aadhaar authentication for secure and efficient service.
Farmers owning up to 25 acres are eligible under Phase II, ensuring wider coverage and inclusion of small and marginal farmers.
Government Vision and Strategic Outcomes
The Punjab government aims to transform agriculture into a sustainable, profitable sector, ensuring food security and economic upliftment for rural communities.
Digital initiatives like the Kisan Card digitize credit access, align with national programs like Digital India, and empower farmers with technology-driven financial inclusion.
The comprehensive policy approach integrates credit, solar irrigation, mechanization, and skill development, creating a holistic ecosystem for rural advancement.
Enhanced credit availability reduces farmers’ vulnerability to market fluctuations and climate challenges by facilitating timely and adequate resource procurement.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Innovation
The scheme’s next phase will continue to expand card issuance across Punjab and other states, aiming to cover millions more farmers.
Efforts to utilize social media and extension services to educate farmers on loan repayment and benefits will amplify scheme effectiveness.
Partnerships with financial institutions leverage technology to improve loan recovery and customer service.
The government plans to integrate further innovations such as crop insurance tie-ins and weather databanks to mitigate risks and enhance farm incomes.
Conclusion
The issuance of 750,000 Kisan Cards in Punjab under Phase II stands as a landmark achievement in strengthening the agricultural sector by offering interest-free loans and a comprehensive support framework. This initiative embodies a forward-looking vision that combines financial aid, technology, and sustainability to empower farmers and boost India’s agricultural productivity and rural prosperity.
Sources: UrduPoint, Dawn, Hindustan Times, ClearTax
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