The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has introduced a new program called the Benazir Hari Card to assist Sindh’s small farmers. The goal of this program is to support farmers in meeting their agricultural demands by offering soft loans and immediate monetary assistance. This plan was approved by the Sindh Cabinet on September 23, 2024. The program aims to empower small farmers who own up to 12.5 acres of land, and roughly 1.4 million of them have already registered.
Key Features of the Benazir Hari Card
Several significant elements that are intended to assist farmers are included with the Benazir Hari Card. It first gives cardholders priority when it comes to getting necessities like wheat, fertiliser, and high-quality seeds. Second, it makes crop insurance, solar tube wells, and contemporary farming equipment more accessible. Finally, it ensures farmers receive the assistance they require in difficult times by offering tailored support after natural disasters. Based on the amount of their land, cardholders receive grants in cash. They receive first dibs on high-quality inputs for agriculture. Support is part of the program during natural disasters.
Financial Assistance for Farmers
Depending on the extent of the farmer’s land, different amounts of cash aid are provided under the Benazir Hari Card. Cash subsidies of between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000 per acre would be given to farmers who own up to 12.5 acres. The assistance would range from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per acre for people who own more than 25 acres. The purpose of this system is to guarantee that, in proportion to the size of their property, smaller farmers receive more substantial support.
| Land Size | Cash Grant Range |
| Up to 12.5 acres | Rs 1,000 – Rs 2,000 |
| More than 25 acres | Rs 500 – Rs 1,000 |
Management and Distribution
A ministerial committee will oversee the entire program to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Assistant Commissioners will manage the allocation of the Benazir Hari Card; Deputy Commissioners will oversee district-level committees; Commissioners will oversee higher-level coordination; and divisional committees led by Commissioners will oversee the process.
Benefits to Small Farmers
Overall, this initiative aims to improve farmers’ financial stability, enabling them to invest in their futures and increase agricultural productivity in the region. The program is expected to benefit small farmers in many ways, including enabling them to invest in their farms for better production, giving them access to soft loans, and enabling them to buy necessary supplies and tools without delay.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Benazir Hari Card is a big step in the right direction for helping Sindh’s small farmers. This initiative, which focuses on giving access to essential resources and quick cash assistance, aims to improve the lives of numerous farming families. With a focus on small farmers’ needs and efficient management, the PPP seeks to build a more resilient agricultural industry that will be able to weather hardships and prosper over time.
FAQs
1. How can farmers go about applying for a Benazir Hari Card?
Farmers can apply through their local government offices, and staff members will help them with the paperwork.
2. Will the card be useful in the event of flooding?
Indeed, the proposal contains special provisions for farmers hit by floods and other natural catastrophes.
3. Is it still possible for farmers with bigger landholdings to gain from the program?
Indeed. Larger farms can still receive aid, albeit at a lower rate, since smaller farmers are given more support.