Sindh Launches Online Registration for Benazir Hari Card and Announces Agriculture University in Ghotki
Sindh govt launched online registration for Benazir Hari Card In a significant move to support farmers in Sindh, Provincial Minister for Agriculture Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Khan Mehr launched the online registration process for the Benazir Hari Card during a one-day agriculture exhibition in Mirpur Mathelo. This initiative aims to streamline access to agricultural subsidies and financial assistance for over 1.5 million farmers across the province.
Key Highlights of the Announcement
- Online Registration for Benazir Hari Card:
- Farmers can now register for the Benazir Hari Card through a newly developed website and mobile app: www.benazirharicard.gos.pk.
- The online system eliminates the need for farmers to visit agriculture department offices or revenue officials, making the process more accessible and efficient.
- Farmers can upload their documents directly to the portal for registration.
- Benefits of the Benazir Hari Card:
- Subsidies: Farmers will receive subsidies on seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and modern agricultural machinery.
- Crop Insurance: The card will provide crop insurance to protect farmers against losses.
- Interest-Free Loans: Farmers will have access to interest-free loans to support their agricultural activities.
- Financial Assistance: In case of agricultural disasters, farmers will receive financial aid through the card.
- Establishment of Agriculture University in Ghotki:
- The Sindh government announced plans to establish an Agriculture University in Ghotki district.
- The university is expected to attract students not only from Sindh but also from other provinces, promoting agricultural education and research.
- Support for Flood-Affected Farmers:
- The Sindh government has already provided Rs. 19 billion in aid to approximately 400,000 farmers affected by the devastating 2022 floods.
- After registration for the Hari Card, all facilities and benefits will be provided to farmers through the card.
- Research and Development:
- New varieties of cotton and sugarcane will be developed at the Sarhad Research Center in Ghotki.
- Advanced production technologies will be introduced to help farmers adapt to climate change and improve agricultural productivity.
- Recognition of Women in Agriculture:
- The minister acknowledged the critical role of women in the agricultural sector.
- Training and capacity-building programs for women are being implemented to empower them and enhance their contribution to agriculture.
Statements from the Provincial Minister
- Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Khan Mehr emphasized the importance of supporting farmers, stating, “If farmers are not prosperous, the country cannot prosper.”
- He described the Benazir Hari Card as a gift from Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to the farmers of Sindh, aimed at providing them with essential resources and financial support.
- The minister highlighted the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, including climate change, rising costs, and limited access to resources, and reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing these issues.
Event Attendees
The launch event was attended by key officials, including:
- Sohail Ahmed Qureshi, Secretary of Agriculture.
- Altaf Ali Sial, Vice Chancellor of Agriculture University.
- Mazhar Kario, DG Research.
- Munir Ahmed Jumani, DG Engineering.
- Nadeem Shah, PD Liaquat Bhutto.
- DG Marketing and other prominent figures in the agricultural sector.
Conclusion
The launch of the Benazir Hari Card and the announcement of the Agriculture University in Ghotkimark significant steps by the Sindh government to support farmers and modernize the agricultural sector. By providing subsidies, insurance, and financial assistance, the government aims to empower farmers and ensure the sustainability of agriculture in the face of climate change and other challenges.
Farmers are encouraged to register online at www.benazirharicard.gos.pk to avail themselves of these benefits. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of farmers and strengthening the agricultural backbone of the province.
“The world has moved far ahead, and we must keep pace with it,” said the minister, underscoring the need for innovation and progress in agriculture.
