Relief package for farmers ‘a political gimmick’, says Zardari

DUBAI: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairman and former president of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari has strongly criticized the relief package, announced for farmers by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, he criticized the relief package for farmers and termed it a ‘political gimmick’.

PM Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday announced a comprehensive Rs341 billion relief package for farmers, with special cash relief for cotton and rice cultivators.

He said with the cooperation of provincial governments, farmers will be provided Rs5,000 per acre of land, totaling an amount of Rs40 billion.

PM announced that the price of fertilizer would be reduced by at least Rs500 per bag. He also announced that interest-free loans would be given out to farmers to convert tube-wells to solar energy.

He said under the relief package, a fund of Rs20 billion would be setup to cut the prices of fertilizer. The package would provide a reduction in the service charges including fertilizer, pesticides, power for tube-wells and tractors.

The prime minister also announced exemption from income tax for farmers producing fruits, vegetables and grains.