Punjab Approves Rs70,000 Monthly Stipend for Agriculture Interns

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday approved a monthly stipend of Rs70,000 for agriculture interns as part of a plan to engage youth and modernize the province’s farming sector.

The decision was made during a meeting chaired by the chief minister, who emphasized linking young professionals to agriculture through practical training and innovation.

Under the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” program, agriculture interns will manage farms and lead modern agricultural initiatives while gaining hands-on experience.

Maryam Nawaz said the province’s talented youth would play a key role in bringing an agricultural revolution in Punjab.

The provincial government also approved rooftop hydroponic farming projects for the first time in Punjab.

Officials said between 280 and 350 plants can be grown on rooftops as small as two marlas using specially designed structures and polythene sheets. Ten pilot projects will initially be launched in Lahore in collaboration with housing societies.

To promote environmentally friendly agriculture, the government approved the solarization of 10,000 diesel tube wells across the province.

Under the Punjab Agriculture Mechanization Project, authorities also plan to distribute 28,000 super seeders by 2028 to improve crop residue management and reduce environmental pollution.

The chief minister also approved Phase IV of the CM Green Tractor Program. Under the new phase, subsidies for high-horsepower tractors will be Rs1.5 million, while subsidies for low-horsepower tractors have been increased from Rs500,000 to Rs700,000.

In another initiative, Punjab will introduce ground recharge wells for on-farm rainwater harvesting for the first time. These wells will help store rainwater and improve water availability for agricultural use.

Officials said the initiatives aim to modernize agriculture in Punjab, promote environmental sustainability, and create employment opportunities for young people across the province.