Punjab Farmers Face Kisan Card Delays and Unpaid Sugarcane Dues

The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Agriculture, chaired by MPA Zulfiqar Ali Shah, met in Lahore on Wednesday to discuss farmers’ concerns over delays in Kisan Card payments, difficulties in accessing banking services, the release of mortgaged property after loan repayment, and unpaid dues to sugarcane growers.

Punjab Farmers Raise Concerns Over Kisan Card Delays, Banking Issues and Unpaid Sugarcane Dues

Punjab farmers’ concerns over delayed Kisan Card payments, banking difficulties and unpaid sugarcane dues came under discussion at a meeting of the Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Agriculture on Wednesday. The committee called for timely resolution of farmers’ complaints, improved banking services and stronger measures to protect growers’ financial rights.

Chaired by MPA Zulfiqar Ali Shah, the meeting examined problems farmers face in accessing financial assistance under the Kisan Card programme, obtaining support from Bank of Punjab branches, and recovering mortgaged property after repaying agricultural loans. Lawmakers also discussed delays by sugar mills in clearing outstanding payments to sugarcane growers.

Kisan Card Payment Delays Put Pressure on Punjab Farmers

The Kisan Card programme is an important source of agricultural financing for eligible farmers. Delays in releasing funds and difficulties accessing banking services can disrupt farm operations, particularly when growers need money for seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, labour and other essential inputs. For farmers working with tight seasonal budgets, timely access to credit can make a significant difference to crop planning and production costs. The committee stressed the need to resolve Kisan Card-related complaints promptly and ensure farmers receive appropriate guidance and support.

Farmers Seek Better Services at Bank of Punjab Branches

Farmers have also raised concerns about difficulties in obtaining guidance and customer support at Bank of Punjab branches. These challenges can result in repeated visits, wasted time and uncertainty over the status of financial transactions.

MPA Zulfiqar Ali Shah called for better staff training and an accessible complaints mechanism so farmers can report problems and receive timely responses. An effective system should allow complaints to be registered, tracked and resolved without unnecessary delays.

Release of Mortgaged Property After Loan Repayment

MPA Amjad Ali Javed highlighted another concern: difficulties faced by farmers in securing the release of mortgaged property after settling their loans.

For agricultural borrowers, delays in completing this process can create uncertainty and restrict their ability to manage their assets and future financial needs. The committee emphasised the importance of addressing these problems alongside other issues affecting the Kisan Card programme.

Committee member Rana Muhammad Arshad called for better coordination between relevant government departments and financial institutions, stressing that farmers need a clear and effective process for resolving complaints.

Sugarcane Growers Await Outstanding Payments

The committee also discussed delays by sugar mills in paying outstanding dues to sugarcane growers.

Timely payment is essential for farmers who must recover cultivation expenses, repay loans, pay labourers and prepare for the next crop cycle. When payments are delayed, growers may face cash-flow problems and struggle to meet their financial commitments.

The committee chairman stressed that sugarcane growers should receive payment within the prescribed period. Effective monitoring and enforcement are important to ensure that farmers are paid fairly for their produce and that payment disputes are addressed without unnecessary delays.

What Needs to Change for Farmers in Punjab?

The concerns raised during the meeting point to the need for practical measures that improve the delivery of agricultural financial services.

Key priorities include:

• Timely Kisan Card payments: Clear timelines and transparent information on the release of funds.
• Better banking support: Trained staff who can guide farmers through transactions and programme requirements.
• Effective complaint resolution: A simple system for registering, tracking and resolving farmers’ complaints.
• Prompt release of property: Clear procedures for returning mortgaged property after loans have been fully repaid.
• Timely sugarcane payments: Stronger monitoring to ensure sugar mills meet their payment obligations.

Protecting Farmers Is Essential for Punjab’s Agricultural Economy

Agriculture supports millions of livelihoods across Punjab and plays a vital role in Pakistan’s food supply and rural economy. Financial uncertainty, delayed credit and unpaid crop proceeds can place additional pressure on farmers who already have to manage rising input costs and seasonal risks.

The meeting of the Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Agriculture highlighted the importance of moving beyond discussions towards measurable improvements in agricultural financing, banking services and payment practices.

Punjab Assembly officials and representatives of relevant government departments attended the meeting. The effectiveness of the measures taken in response will ultimately depend on whether farmers experience faster payments, easier access to banking services and more reliable protection of their financial rights.