Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday launched the Hi-Tech Farm Mechanisation Financing Programme’s digital portal, announcing that farmers across the province will be provided interest-free loans of up to Rs30 million for the purchase of modern agricultural machinery.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, the chief minister said the initiative would mark the beginning of an agricultural revolution in Punjab, as the government sought to modernise farming practices through technology and innovation.

Briefing the chief minister, the Secretary of Agriculture said that under the programme, farmers would be able to obtain loans for 12 types of high-tech agricultural machinery.

Each loan would come with a six-month grace period, and repayments would be made in quarterly instalments over five years.

He added that farmers, service providers, and agri companies could apply for the loans through the newly launched digital portal.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also paid tribute to the security forces for killing seven Indian-sponsored militants during an operation in Daraban, Dera Ismail Khan, commending their sacrifices for national security.