This was stated by Punjab Transport Minister Rana Shamshad Ahmed in a meeting with a delegation of farmers belonging to Gujranwala district, who called on him here on Sunday.
He said that launch of crop insurance scheme is an ample proof of the government's farmer-friendly policies.
Prior to this scheme, the provincial government has also taken a number of revolutionary steps, including provision of agriculture loans on soft terms, enabling the farmers to get better return of their yield, he added.
He further said that 70 percent of the Punjab population is associated with the profession of agriculture, which is considered as backbone of country's economy. Keeping in view the importance of agricultural economy, he maintained, the Bank of Punjab is also issuing easy loans to farmers for purchase of tractors.
Furthermore, cut in mark rate of agriculture loans from 13 percent to 9 percent is also an example of government's pro-farmer policies, the minister informed the delegation.
He further told them that the provincial government has decided not to collect abiana (water charges) from farmers in case of drought or any calamity, which would provide financial relief to farmers. Such steps have also discouraged the trend of migration from rural to urban areas, the minister observed.