Balochistan’s Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, announced the launch of an agricultural relief package on Wednesday. The first phase involved transferring subsidy payments to 3,102 farmers’ bank accounts.
Bugti outlined the scheme’s progress, stating that payments for an additional 13,128 farmers would be completed within two to three days as the government accelerates phased disbursement under the program.
Rising regional tensions and persistently high fuel prices have strained Balochistan’s agriculture sector. Officials said these factors significantly increased the cost of wheat harvesting operations, particularly thresher machine use during the current season.
In response to mounting pressure on small farmers and landholders, the provincial government introduced a thresher fuel subsidy scheme aimed at easing operational costs during the wheat harvest.
According to Bugti, over 85,000 farmers have registered for the subsidy scheme, with verification of more than 74,000 applicants already completed. The process remains ongoing to ensure all eligible beneficiaries are included.
Priority is being given to small-scale farmers and those with ready wheat crops, with the aim of providing timely financial support during a critical harvesting period, he said. He stressed that the fuel subsidy would substantially reduce thresher operating expenses.
The chief minister further stated that wheat is vital to Balochistan’s economy and food security framework and would not suffer due to financial constraints or external pressures.
Under the scheme, farmers owning up to 12.5 acres of land are also provided with Rs 15,000 through the Kisan Card mechanism for fuel and harvesting-related costs. Officials maintained that this initiative is expected to enable farmers to complete the wheat harvesting process without undue financial stress, ensuring all eligible farmers receive subsidies in a timely manner.