Introduction
Punjab is the backbone of Pakistan’s agriculture. Known as the country’s breadbasket, it contributes the largest share of wheat, sugarcane, rice, and cotton. Yet, despite fertile land and hardworking farmers, agriculture in Punjab still faces challenges: rising input costs, outdated machinery, climate impacts, and low productivity.
To address these issues, the Government of Punjab, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has reintroduced and expanded the Punjab Green Tractor Scheme. After a successful start in Phase 1, the program has now entered Phase 2, promising more subsidies, more tractors, and broader farmer participation.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of Phase 2 — its features, eligibility, application process, benefits, challenges, and future vision. Whether you’re a farmer, policymaker, or just an observer of Pakistan’s agricultural reforms, this guide will help you understand everything about the scheme.
Background of the Punjab Green Tractor Scheme
Why Was the Scheme Launched?
- Agriculture contributes around 19% of Pakistan’s GDP and employs over 37% of the labor force.
- A large number of farmers in Punjab still depend on manual labor or rented machinery, which slows productivity and increases costs.
- Modern, fuel-efficient tractors are expensive. A new 75 HP tractor can cost between PKR 3.2–4.5 million, out of reach for small farmers.
- Mechanization is essential to improve per-acre yield, reduce drudgery, and promote sustainable practices.
The Green Tractor Scheme was introduced to bridge this affordability gap, allowing farmers to purchase tractors at subsidized prices while encouraging the use of modern, environment-friendly models.
Phase 1 vs Phase 2: What’s Different?
| Feature | Phase 1 | Phase 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | Early 2025 | August 2025 |
| Total Tractors | 9,500 | 20,000 |
| Subsidy Amount | Flat 50% subsidy for some models | Tiered subsidy (PKR 500,000 for medium tractors, PKR 1,000,000 for high-power tractors) |
| Target Beneficiaries | Small and medium farmers | Expanded to include larger landholders with 7+ acres (for high-power models) |
| Application Mode | Mix of offline & pilot online | Fully online (gts.punjab.gov.pk) + offline support |
| Distribution | Limited by budget | Increased allocation and clearer eligibility rules |
Phase 2 is bigger, more organized, and more transparent, thanks to an online balloting system and expanded subsidy slabs.
Key Features of CM Punjab Green Tractor Scheme Phase 2
- 20,000 Tractors for Distribution
- A significant increase compared to Phase 1.
- Subsidy Details
- High-power tractors (75 HP and above): PKR 1 million subsidy per tractor.
- Medium tractors (50–65 HP): PKR 500,000 subsidy per tractor.
- Focus on Green / Environment-Friendly Machines
- Emphasis on fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
- Encouragement for locally manufactured tractors, supporting Pakistan’s auto industry.
- Transparent Allotment
- Applications processed via gts.punjab.gov.pk.
- A digital balloting system ensures fairness.
- Eligibility Based on Landholding
- Medium tractors: for small to medium farmers.
- High-power tractors: for landowners with 7+ acres.
- Authorized Dealers and Delivery
- Distribution through approved tractor manufacturers/dealers.
- Includes after-sales service and warranty coverage.
Eligibility Criteria for Farmers
To qualify for Phase 2, farmers must meet the following conditions:
- Punjab Residency: Applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab.
- Land Ownership:
- Small/medium tractors: Farmers with smaller holdings qualify.
- High-power tractors: Minimum 7 acres of cultivated land required.
- Kissan Card Holder: Farmers must be registered with the Punjab Kissan Card system for verification.
- Valid CNIC: National identity card required for application.
- Bank Account: Necessary for transaction and subsidy transfer.
- One Tractor per Household: To ensure fairness, only one tractor is allowed per family.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the Official Portal
- Go to gts.punjab.gov.pk.
- Create an Account
- Register using CNIC, mobile number, and email.
- Fill in Application Form
- Provide personal details, landholding proof, Kissan Card details.
- Upload Documents
- CNIC copy
- Land ownership/lease papers
- Bank account details
- Submit Application
- Ensure all details are correct before submission.
- Lottery/Balloting
- Applications go through computerized balloting.
- Selected applicants receive SMS/portal confirmation.
- Payment and Delivery
- Farmer pays the balance amount.
- Tractor delivered through authorized dealers.
Required Documents
- CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card)
- Proof of land ownership or lease (Fard, registry)
- Punjab Kissan Card
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Bank account details
Benefits of the Scheme
Economic Benefits
- Farmers save up to PKR 1 million through subsidy.
- Reduced dependency on tractor rentals, saving thousands per season.
- Lower operational costs with fuel-efficient models.
Agricultural Benefits
- Faster ploughing, sowing, and harvesting → increased crop cycles.
- Improved yields through timely land preparation.
- Modern tractors support attachments (seed drills, sprayers, harvesters).
Social Benefits
- Empowerment of small farmers who couldn’t afford tractors before.
- Job creation in the agriculture and machinery service sector.
- Increased food security for Punjab and Pakistan.
Environmental Benefits
- Encouragement of “green” tractors reduces carbon emissions.
- Better efficiency → less fuel consumption.
Challenges and Concerns
- Exclusion of Smallest Farmers
- Farmers with less than 5 acres may still find it unaffordable even with subsidy.
- Delivery Delays
- Supply chain issues or dealer delays can frustrate farmers.
- Corruption Risks
- Though digital systems reduce risks, transparency must be monitored.
- Maintenance Costs
- Tractors require servicing, which adds long-term costs for farmers.
- Awareness Gap
- Many farmers in remote villages are unaware of online application procedures.
Government’s Vision for Agriculture
The Green Tractor Scheme is not just a subsidy program — it’s part of a larger agricultural transformation plan.
- Digital Farming: Use of technology, mobile apps, and satellite monitoring.
- Mechanization Programs: Beyond tractors — harvesters, seeders, and precision equipment.
- Climate-Smart Agriculture: Promoting efficient water use, low-emission machinery, and renewable practices.
- Farmer Empowerment: Expansion of Kissan Cards, crop insurance, and direct subsidies.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has emphasized that the scheme reflects her government’s commitment to modernizing agriculture and uplifting rural Punjab.
Expected Impact on Punjab’s Farming Community
Short-Term Impact (1–2 years)
- Immediate relief for farmers struggling with high costs.
- Faster sowing and harvesting cycles.
- Boost in wheat, rice, and sugarcane yields.
Long-Term Impact (5–10 years)
- Transformation of Punjab into a mechanized agriculture hub.
- Improved per-acre productivity, closing the gap with regional competitors like India.
- Strengthened food security and reduced dependence on imports.
- More sustainable farming with lower carbon emissions.
FAQs About CM Punjab Green Tractor Scheme Phase 2
Q1: How many tractors are being distributed in Phase 2?
👉 20,000 tractors.
Q2: What is the subsidy amount?
👉 PKR 500,000 for medium tractors (50–65 HP), PKR 1,000,000 for high-power tractors (75 HP+).
Q3: Who is eligible?
👉 Permanent Punjab residents, registered Kissan Card holders, landowners with required acreage.
Q4: Can one farmer apply for more than one tractor?
👉 No, only one tractor per household.
Q5: How are winners selected?
👉 Through computerized balloting.
Conclusion
The CM Punjab Green Tractor Scheme Phase 2 is a game-changer for Punjab’s agriculture sector. By offering 20,000 tractors with subsidies up to PKR 1 million, the government is directly supporting farmers, modernizing farming practices, and pushing towards eco-friendly mechanization.
While challenges remain — especially for the smallest farmers and in ensuring transparent delivery — the scheme reflects a strong vision: to make Punjab’s agriculture more productive, sustainable, and competitive.
If implemented with fairness and efficiency, this program will not only uplift farmers’ livelihoods but also strengthen Pakistan’s entire agricultural economy.
Abdullah Zulfiqar writes about technology in a simple, practical way, helping readers stay updated and make smarter decisions in an ever-evolving digital world.
