Sindh launches Hari Card and solar subsidy for farmers
In a major push for rural development, the Sindh government has launched the Benazir Hari Card and announced subsidies to promote solar-powered irrigation systems. Agriculture Minister said on Thursday that the scheme is designed to support farmers with both direct financial aid and long-term sustainable solutions.
Sindh Bank has been tasked with preparing and issuing the Hari Cards, with 50,000 cards expected to be distributed by the end of this month. Another 50,000 will follow every 20 days until the full 80,000 registered farmers are covered. The cards will enable farmers to access subsidies and financial assistance more efficiently.
The government has also decided to subsidize the installation of solar-powered drip irrigation systems for farmers owning between five and 25 acres.
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The project aims to install 295 solar units across 4,000 acres. Farmers will pay 20 percent of the cost while the government will cover 80 percent, reducing dependence on costly electricity and diesel.
Applications for the scheme are open until September 20 at the Hyderabad office. Officials have stressed that the initiative is not only about immediate relief but also about long-term investment in Sindh’s agricultural future.
The programme reflects a promise made by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari earlier this year, when he pledged a “Kisan Card” to uplift farmers similar to the Benazir Income Support Programme. The move is being seen as part of PPP’s broader agenda to modernize agriculture and support small-scale farmers struggling with rising costs.
