Punjab announces Rs15bn package for wheat farmers

The Punjab government announced on Wednesday a package of Rs15bn for farmers amid reports of falling wheat prices at the time of harvesting, with growers holding rallies in different parts of the province. Under the Wheat Support Fund, 550,000 wheat farmers will be given direct financial support through the Kisan Card. The government also announced an exemption for wheat farmers from paying irrigation/fixed tax during the current year. Under the package, free storage Electronic Warehouse Receipt (EWR) facility will be provided for four months to protect wheat from climate change effects and farmers from market pressure. The government decided to implement the EWR system in the province. The farmers storing wheat under this system will get an electronic receipt. Within 24 hours, this receipt can be given to the bank to obtain a loan up to 70 per cent of the total cost (of wheat stored).