Sukkur: Sukkur District Council and Sindh Bank have jointly launched a subsidized tractor scheme for small farmers of the district, with a commitment to prioritize women and youth.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed between Chairman District Council Sukkur Syed Kumail Hyder Shah and Vice Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sindh Bank Syed Asad Ali Shah here Friday.
Addressing a press conference at the District Council Hall, Chairman District Council Syed Kumail Hyder Shah said that in the first phase, more than 100 tractors would be provided to farmers through a transparent balloting process. In this era of inflation, he said, a small farmer cannot afford to buy a tractor, that is why we have introduced this scheme.
Giving details, he said that out of the total 30 percent down payment required, 10 percent would be paid by the District Council Sukkur. The scheme is for farmers holding less than 25 acres of land and cases will be approved by Sindh Bank.
The Chairman said that special priority would be given to women farmers and youth in the scheme. He announced that in the second phase, solar tube wells would also be installed for farmers in collaboration with Sindh Bank. He clarified that the scheme was above political affiliation. “No matter which party a farmer belongs to, he can participate. There is no discrimination in any of our projects. We, our party and the Sindh government have always served the people without discrimination,” he said.
He said it is the vision of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari to take care of farmers. “We want to expand this scheme first in Sukkur and later to the whole of Sindh,” he added.
Shah further informed that Sindh Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah had released Rs. 330 million for the improvement, rehabilitation, repair and provision of facilities in schools of Sukkur district. He said new schools will be established in both Katcha and Pacca areas where there are no schools.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice CEO of Sindh Bank Syed Asad Shah said small farmers in Sukkur will be provided tractors on easy installments at a nominal markup of only 2 to 3 percent. He said that farmers consider an interest free loan as Qarz-e-Hasana. 90 percent of the markup would be paid by the Government of Sindh adding that a special subsidy has been included in the scheme.
He said that while the market price of a tractor is currently around Rs. 5 million, farmers would get it under special subsidy through this initiative. This is a beginning from Sukkur district and it is possible that in future, farmers of the whole Sindh will benefit from this scheme, he said.
He informed that farmers desirous of availing the scheme should submit their CNIC, copy of land documents, contact number, passport size photograph and proof of income to Sindh Bank. Candidates can also apply online through Sindh Bank’s official website.
Further details about the scheme can be obtained from the bank’s website or by contacting helpline number 021-111333225.