Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the establishment of the province’s first Apna Kisan Bank, along with agricultural loans worth Rs 17 billion and a major increase in financing under the Kisan Card scheme.
The chief minister made the announcements during a meeting with representatives of small, medium and large farmers from across Punjab, dedicating her birthday to the farming community in recognition of their contribution to the country’s economy and food security.
Apna Kisan Bank: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Announced by | Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif (October 28, 2026) |
| New institution | Punjab’s first Apna Kisan Bank |
| Subsidised agricultural loans | Rs 17 billion (around 5 million acres) |
| Zero-markup loans | Up to Rs 10 million |
| Loans at 2% interest | Up to Rs 30 million |
| Loans at 5% interest | Up to Rs 50 million |
| Kisan Card DAP limit | Raised from Rs 30,000 to Rs 33,500 per acre |
| Wheat support price | Rs 4,500 per maund |
Concessional Loans for Farmers
Under the proposed financing structure, farmers will be able to obtain loans of up to Rs 10 million at zero markup, loans of up to Rs 30 million at an interest rate of two per cent, and loans of up to Rs 50 million at five per cent interest through the Punjab Urban Unit. The Rs 17 billion subsidised financing package will benefit farmers cultivating approximately five million acres of agricultural land.
The chief minister also announced an increase of Rs 3,500 per acre in the Kisan Card loan limit for purchasing diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser, raising it from Rs 30,000 to Rs 33,500 per acre, in view of rising fertiliser prices.
Mechanisation, Agro-Parks and Wheat Price
The government has allocated Rs 70 billion for high-tech agricultural mechanisation, and the chief minister said 25,000 tractors had already been provided to farmers on subsidy, with 50,000 tractors being offered under the Green Tractor Scheme. A harvester assembly plant and a tractor manufacturing plant for 85 to 100 horsepower tractors are also being established to encourage local production.
To strengthen agricultural processing and improve returns for growers, agro-parks will be established in Sargodha, Bhakkar, Khanewal and Okara. The chief minister said the government would ensure implementation of the wheat support price of Rs 4,500 per maund in coordination with the federal government, and announced a Potohar Transformation Package to promote olive cultivation.
FAQs About the Apna Kisan Bank Announcement
What is the Apna Kisan Bank?
Punjab’s first dedicated farmers’ bank, announced by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on October 28, 2026, to provide concessional agricultural financing to farmers across the province.
How much subsidised financing was announced?
Rs 17 billion in subsidised agricultural loans, covering farmers cultivating around five million acres.
What loan terms were announced?
Loans of up to Rs 10 million at zero markup, up to Rs 30 million at 2 per cent interest, and up to Rs 50 million at 5 per cent interest through the Punjab Urban Unit.
What changed in the Kisan Card scheme?
The Kisan Card loan limit for DAP fertiliser was raised by Rs 3,500 per acre, from Rs 30,000 to Rs 33,500 per acre.
What is the wheat support price?
Rs 4,500 per maund, to be implemented in coordination with the federal government.
Final Thoughts
The Apna Kisan Bank announcement packages cheaper credit, higher fertiliser financing, mechanisation investment and better crop prices into one farmer relief programme. Farmers should watch for the bank’s formal launch and application procedure, which the government has yet to announce in detail.