Technical Training for Farmers

 What is the Technical Training for Farmers scheme?

The Technical Training for Farmers scheme is part of Punjab's broader push toward modernizing agriculture through skill development and mechanization support. It blends training with subsidized equipment to improve farm productivity and resilience. Here's how it works:

Scheme Components

1. Mechanized Agriculture Support

• Under a “Promotion of Mechanized Agriculture” program, the government allocates funds (~Rs. 9.99 billion over 2021–2026) to support local farmers and mechanization service providers with up to Rs. 500,000 subsidy per person (60% government, 40% farmer contribution) for agricultural machinery.

• Eligible farmers are selected via balloting and issued machinery on a cost-sharing basis.

Farmer & Provider Training

• The program emphasizes capacity building, ensuring farmers and mechanization service providers receive hands-on training on the operation and maintenance of machinery http://rozgarschemehub.blogspot.com/.

• An example: the Green Tractor Scheme includes workshops and official training sessions before farmers receive tractors.

Modern Tech Adoption

• Complementing subsidies, farmers also benefit from exposure to modern practices like precision agriculture, solar tube well installation, and advanced crop management via ATMA and training cell initiatives .

 Objectives

• Increase Productivity: Boost crop output and efficiency using modern equipment.

• Build Local Expertise: Train farmers and service providers on machinery and maintenance.

• Promote Agro-Business: Encourage farmers to provide mechanization services commercially.

 Summary

The Technical Training for Farmers scheme equips farmers—with both subsidized equipment and practical training—enabling them to adopt mechanized farming techniques, maintain their machinery, and potentially offer services commercially. It's a key part of Punjab’s modernization of agriculture, linking skill development to subsidized mechanization.

Who launched this training program?

The Technical Training for Farmers scheme—part of Punjab’s broader “Promotion of Mechanized Agriculture” program—was launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. She formally inaugurated the program’s phases, including balloting for subsidized machinery like super seeders and tractors. The CM unveiled the first phase of the Super Seeder project and later launched the third phase featuring a 60% subsidy for farmers owning suitable tractors.

Launch & Oversight Structure

• Lead Implementation: Punjab’s Agriculture Department (Field Wing), working through the Directorate General Agriculture—Field, manages applications, public balloting, and training.

• Chief Minister’s Role: Maryam Nawaz Sharif officially launched multiple subsidy-driven phases of mechanized agriculture, including the Green Tractor Scheme and Super Seeder rollout.

• Summary

  Initiative	Launched By	Implementing Body
  Super Seeder Scheme (multiple phases)	CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif	Punjab Agriculture Department – Field Wing
  Green Tractor Scheme	CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif	Punjab Agriculture Department

Essentially, this scheme is a high-priority agricultural reform spearheaded by the Punjab Chief Minister, while execution—from equipment provision to practical training—is overseen by the Agriculture Department through its engineering and field directorates.

What is the main purpose of this training?

The main purpose of the Technical Training for Farmers scheme is to empower farmers with the practical skills and knowledge needed to operate, maintain, and manage modern agricultural machinery—so they can boost productivity, reduce costs, and adopt sustainable farming practices.

 Key Objectives of the Training Program:

1.  Skill Development

   • Train farmers and service providers to safely operate modern machinery like tractors, super seeders, planters, and laser levelers.

2.  Maintenance Knowledge

   • Teach basic repair and maintenance techniques to reduce equipment downtime and dependency on technicians.

3.  Increase Crop Yields

   • Enable the use of precision farming tools that improve seed placement, fertilizer use, and water efficiency—ultimately leading to higher yields.

4.  Promote Agro-Entrepreneurship

   • Support farmers in becoming mechanization service providers, earning income by offering machinery services to other farmers.

5.  Sustainable Agriculture

   • Train farmers in climate-resilient techniques, reduce traditional tilling, and promote soil conservation through modern tools like super seeders and zero till drills.

6.  Maximize Subsidy Impact

• Ensure that the government’s investment in subsidized machinery actually benefits the farmers by making sure they know how to use it effectively.

7. 
   

8. Summary

   The training aims to transform traditional farmers into skilled agro-technicians who can operate modern equipment, reduce costs, increase output, and run farm-based businesses—all while adopting sustainable agricultural practices. 

    

9. Which farmers are eligible for this training program?

10. Farmers eligible for the Technical Training for Farmers (Mechanized Agriculture) program in Punjab must meet the following criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

2. Ownership of Machinery

   • Must own a tractor with at least 50 HP (self-propelled machinery excepted) .

3. Landholding Limits

   • Operate up to 25 acres in canal-irrigated areas, or

   • Up to 50 acres in rainfed/barani areas .

4. Service Commitment

   • Agree to provide mechanization services (e.g., plowing, seed drilling) to other farmers during the project period.

5. Single Application Rule

   • Must not have applied for similar machinery support in any other district/project scheme within Punjab.

6. Timely Processing

   • Upon allotment, book machinery from a pre-qualified firm within 10 days, or else risk losing the subsidy.

7. Non-transfer Clause

   • Must commit not to sell or transfer the machinery for 4 years after receipt.

8. Training Attendance

• Must attend a one-day hands-on training session on machinery operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance, organized by district Agricultural Engineering staff.

9. Who Should Apply?

   Ideal candidates are:

• Medium-scale farmers owning the required tractor and operating within the landholding limits mentioned above.

• Mechanization Service Providers—farmers who will rent out machinery to others.

• Farmers ready to commit to service-sharing and attend the required training.

10.  Application Process

• Watch for public notices in local newspapers or online from the Directorate General Agriculture (Field Wing), Punjab.

• Submit a completed application with a stamped affidavit confirming eligibility to your Assistant Agricultural Engineer.

• Final selection is through open balloting by district committees.

11. What documents are required to apply?

12. 

    Here are the required documents you'll need to apply for the Technical Training for Farmers scheme—a key component of the mechanized agriculture subsidy program in Punjab:

     Required Documents for Application

1. Valid CNIC
   A copy of your Computerized National Identity Card.

13. Proof of Land Ownership

• Fard/Malkiat or Intiqal number, registered in your name.

• Must show you cultivate 25 acres (canal-irrigated) or 50 acres (rainfed).

14. ctor Ownership Documents

• Tractor registration or transfer letter confirming you own at least a 50 HP tractor.

15. Affidavit on Stamp Paper

• On Rs. 100 / 300 stamp paper stating:

• Single application (no other subsidy applied elsewhere)

• Non-transfer clause: you will not sell/transfer the machinery for 4 years.

• Farmer Card / Kissan Card

• A valid card as part of the Kissan registration system. 

• Passport-Sized Photograph

• A recent photo to attach with your application.

• Mobile Number

• A working phone number for communication and SMS updates.

• Additional Forms & Where to Submit

• Application form: Download from agripunjab.gov.pk or collect from your Assistant Agricultural Engineer at the district office.

• Stamp duty: You may need to pay a small fee when submitting your stamp-paper affidavit.

• Helpline: For help, call Punjab’s Agricultural Helpline at 0800‑17000.

16. How will this program help improve crop yields?

17. The Technical Training for Farmers scheme helps improve crop yields by equipping farmers with modern machinery and the skills to use it efficiently. Here's a clear breakdown of how it directly boosts agricultural productivity:

18. 1. Efficient Use of Agricultural Machinery

    • Farmers are trained to operate machines like super seeders, zero till drills, planters, and laser land levelers.

    • These tools ensure:

      • Uniform seed placement

      • Proper soil depth

      • Timely sowing, especially after harvesting (critical for wheat after rice)

    Result: Better germination, reduced seed waste, and higher yield per acre.

19. 2. Reduced Crop Residue Burning

    • Tools like super seeders allow farmers to sow seeds without burning leftover crop stubble.

    • This not only saves nutrients in the soil but also reduces air pollution and preserves soil fertility.

    Result: Improved soil health and higher long-term yields.

3. Improved Water Management

• Training includes use of laser land levelers, which:

  • Create even fields

  • Minimize water runoff and puddling

  • Reduce water usage by up to 30%

Result: More consistent irrigation, leading to better crop growth and resilience.

4. Optimized Fertilizer and Input Use

• Farmers learn precision farming techniques:

  • Applying the right amount of fertilizer in the right place

  • Using tools to reduce pesticide and herbicide waste

Result: Healthier crops and lower production costs, improving profit margins and output.

5. Less Labor, More Productivity

• Mechanization reduces manual labor and fatigue.

• Trained farmers can cover more area in less time, improving overall efficiency.

Result: Timely harvesting and planting cycles = better seasonal yields.

In short, this program bridges the gap between traditional farming and modern, scientific practices—directly enhancing both the quantity and quality of crops produced.

Will there be follow-up support after the training ends?

Continued Technical Assistance

1. District-level Field Engineers

   • After training, Assistant Agricultural Engineers and staff regularly visit farms to:

   • Help troubleshoot operational issues,

   • Guide on proper maintenance techniques,

   • Ensure optimal performance of machinery.

   • Maintenance Workshops

   • Periodic workshops are organized at local centers or Agri Malls, focusing on common machine faults and repair methods,

   • Agricultural Helpline

   • Farmers can call 0800‑17000 (Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.) for real-time support—covering:

   • Technical guidance,

   • Document/submission help,

   • Balloting and machine supply status.

   • Is there any financial support during the training period?

   • Farmers enrolled in the Technical Training for Farmers (Mechanized Agriculture) scheme do not receive direct financial stipends specifically for attending the training, but they do benefit significantly in other financial ways:

   • 1. Machinery Subsidy (Indirect Financial Support)

   • Trainees are eligible for a 60% subsidy—up to Rs 500,000 per beneficiary—towards the cost of agricultural machinery like tractors, seeders, land-levelers, etc.

   • This cost-sharing model (Government 60% / Farmer 40%) means trainees only pay a fraction of the total price for high-value equipment.

   • . Save Time & Input Costs

   • Learning to operate modern machines efficiently saves labor, fuel, and input expenses, which translates to reduced costs per acre and enhances profitability.

   • 3. Service Provider Income Opportunity

   • Trainees commit to offering mechanization services (rental work) within their communities—creating new income streams to offset equipment investment .

   • 4. Lower Maintenance Costs

   • Practical training on maintenance helps avoid early breakdowns, prolongs machine life, and lessens the need for costly repairs.

   • No Cash Stipend During Training

   • There is no stipend or daily allowance during the one-day training session.

   • The financial value comes from subsidized machinery access, cost efficiencies, and new revenue options.

   • Are the training centers available in every district?

   • 

     Yes, training centers are available in every district of Punjab through the Agriculture Department’s Field Wing. Here’s what you should know:

      District-Level Coverage

   • Assistant Agricultural Engineers’ offices across all districts act as local hubs. These offices organize the one-day practical training sessions on machinery operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.

   • A full directory of district Agricultural Engineering offices shows that each district—from Lahore, Bahawalpur, Multan to Bahawalnagar, Rawalpindi, etc.—has its own dedicated office actively managing this training and support scheme .

   • In-Service Training Institutes

     In addition to district offices, Punjab also operates four in-service Agricultural Training Institutes (IATIs/ATIs) at:

     • Rahim Yar Khan

     • Sargodha

     • Rawalpindi (Dahgal)

     • Layyah

     These institutes provide ongoing training and supervision—extending beyond the mechanisation subsidy program—and support agricultural extension efforts across multiple districts,

   • How It Works

   1. Local Application Submission: Farmers submit their applications at the nearest Assistant Agricultural Engineer (Field) office

   2. Training Delivery: These same offices organize and conduct the required machinery training sessions

   3. Post-Training Support: The district office and field staff continue to provide follow-up assistance and technical guidance.

   • Summary

     Punjab’s district Agricultural Engineering offices ensure that the Technical Training for Farmers scheme is accessible in every district. If you’re unsure where to apply or train, I can provide the address and contact details for your specific district—just let me know your area!