Maryam Nawaz Launches Kinu Baghāt Bahali Scheme for Farmers in Punjab
The Maryam Nawaz Launches Kinu Baghāt Bahali Scheme for Farmers in Punjab has launched a major agriculture support initiative titled the Kinu Baghāt Bahali Scheme, aimed at reviving declining kinnow orchards across the province. The program was officially introduced under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, focusing on restoring citrus productivity, supporting farmers, and strengthening Punjab’s export-oriented agriculture.
Kinnow (mandarin orange) is one of Punjab’s most valuable fruit crops and a key contributor to Pakistan’s agricultural exports. However, due to aging orchards, plant diseases, climate stress, and lack of modern farming techniques, kinnow production has declined sharply in recent years. The Kinu Baghāt Bahali Scheme 2026 is designed to reverse this trend.
What Is the Kinu Baghāt Bahali Scheme?
The Kinu Baghāt Bahali Scheme is a government-funded orchard rehabilitation program for kinnow farmers in Punjab. The scheme focuses on replacing old, diseased, or low-yield kinnow trees with certified, disease-free saplings while providing technical guidance and financial support.
The word Bahali means rehabilitation, and the scheme’s core objective is to revive kinnow orchards rather than expand land area, ensuring higher yield and better fruit quality.
Why Punjab Needed a Kinu Orchard Rehabilitation Program
Punjab accounts for more than 90% of Pakistan’s kinnow production, yet average yield per acre has dropped due to several factors:
- Over-aged kinnow trees (20–25 years old)
- Citrus greening and fungal diseases
- Poor rootstock quality
- Climate change effects (irregular winters, heat stress)
- Lack of pruning and orchard management knowledge
- Rising input costs for farmers
Recognizing these challenges, the Punjab government prioritized citrus revival as part of its 2026 agriculture reform agenda.
Key Objectives of Maryam Nawaz’s Kinu Baghāt Bahali Scheme
The scheme has several clearly defined goals:
- Restore productivity of kinnow orchards
- Increase farmers’ income through higher yield
- Improve export-quality fruit production
- Introduce modern citrus farming practices
- Reduce disease spread in orchards
- Promote sustainable horticulture in Punjab
Major Features of the Kinu Baghāt Bahali Scheme 2026
1. Free or Subsidized Certified Saplings
Farmers receive certified, virus-free kinnow saplings approved by the Agriculture Department. These saplings are grafted on improved rootstock to ensure better resistance and longer life.
2. Orchard Replacement Support
Old and unproductive trees are replaced in a phased manner, allowing farmers to continue partial production while rehabilitation takes place.
3. Technical Guidance by Experts
Agriculture extension officers provide on-ground guidance related to:
- Orchard layout
- Plant spacing
- Pruning techniques
- Fertilizer scheduling
- Pest and disease control
4. Financial Relief for Farmers
The Punjab government bears a major portion of the cost, reducing the financial burden on small and medium farmers.
5. Climate-Smart Farming Practices
The scheme promotes water-efficient irrigation, soil testing, and balanced nutrient use to adapt to climate challenges.
Who Can Apply for the Kinu Baghāt Bahali Scheme?
Eligibility Criteria
Farmers must meet the following conditions:
- Must be a resident of Punjab
- Own or legally lease kinnow orchards
- Orchard trees must be old, diseased, or low-yield
- Minimum orchard size as defined by the Agriculture Department
- Willing to follow technical guidelines of the scheme
Both small farmers and commercial orchard owners are eligible.
How to Apply for the Kinu Baghāt Bahali Scheme
The application process is designed to be simple and farmer-friendly:
- Visit the nearest Agriculture Extension Office
- Submit a basic application form
- Provide land ownership or lease documents
- Field verification by agriculture officials
- Approval and inclusion in the scheme
- Distribution of saplings and technical support
In many districts, applications are also facilitated through tehsil-level agriculture counters.
Districts Covered Under the Scheme
The scheme primarily targets major kinnow-producing districts, including:
- Sargodha
- Bhalwal
- Toba Tek Singh
- Faisalabad
- Sahiwal
- Multan
- Khanewal
- Vehari
Coverage may expand in later phases based on performance and budget availability.
Role of Maryam Nawaz in Punjab’s Agriculture Revival
Since taking office, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has placed agriculture reform at the center of Punjab’s development strategy. The Kinu Baghāt Bahali Scheme is part of a broader vision that includes:
- Green Tractor Scheme
- Wheat support programs
- Climate-resilient farming initiatives
- Digitization of agriculture services
- Farmer subsidy reforms
Her approach emphasizes direct farmer relief, transparency, and measurable outcomes.
Expected Impact of the Kinu Baghāt Bahali Scheme
Increased Yield per Acre
Rehabilitated orchards are expected to produce 30–40% higher yields within a few years.
Improved Export Quality
Better fruit size, color, and shelf life will help Pakistan compete in international markets.
Higher Farmer Income
With lower costs and better output, farmers’ net income is expected to rise significantly.
Disease Control
Replacing infected trees helps reduce the spread of citrus diseases across regions.
Long-Term Sustainability
Modern orchard management ensures productivity for 15–20 years.
Importance of Kinnow for Pakistan’s Economy
Kinnow exports earn Pakistan millions of dollars annually, especially from markets like:
- Russia
- Middle East
- Southeast Asia
- Central Asia
Reviving kinnow orchards strengthens foreign exchange earnings and supports rural employment.
Challenges and Government Strategy
While the scheme is ambitious, challenges remain:
- Farmer awareness gaps
- Resistance to cutting old trees
- Water scarcity in some areas
- Climate unpredictability
To address these issues, the government is focusing on training, awareness campaigns, and phased implementation.
Future Plans for Citrus and Horticulture
The Punjab government plans to:
- Introduce citrus processing units
- Promote value-added products (juice, pulp)
- Improve cold storage infrastructure
- Expand horticulture insurance coverage
- Digitize farmer registration systems
Conclusion
The Maryam Nawaz Kinu Baghāt Bahali Scheme for Farmers in Punjab is a timely and much-needed intervention to revive one of Pakistan’s most valuable fruit sectors. By combining financial relief, certified saplings, and expert guidance, the scheme offers farmers a sustainable path toward higher productivity and income.
If implemented effectively, this initiative can transform Punjab’s kinnow industry and restore Pakistan’s reputation as a leading citrus exporter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Kinu Baghāt Bahali Scheme?
It is a Punjab government program to rehabilitate old and diseased kinnow orchards through certified saplings and technical support.
2. Who launched the scheme?
The scheme was launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
3. Is the scheme free for farmers?
The government provides saplings and support either free or at heavily subsidized rates.
4. Which farmers are eligible?
Farmers in Punjab with old or low-yield kinnow orchards are eligible.
5. How can farmers apply?
Farmers can apply through their nearest Agriculture Extension Office.
