Case Studies: Transforming Rural Lives with Green Tractors

In Pakistan, agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, with over 60% of the population living in rural areas and dependent on farming for their livelihoods. However, small and marginal farmers in these regions often face significant challenges, including the lack of modern farming equipment, low productivity, and limited access to resources. The Ehsaas Green Tractor Scheme, launched as part of the broader Ehsaas Program, aims to address these issues by providing subsidized tractors to small farmers, enabling them to boost productivity, reduce labor costs, and increase their income.

The scheme has already begun to make a significant impact, transforming the lives of many rural farmers. In this article, we explore a series of case studies to highlight the far-reaching effects of the Green Tractor Scheme, focusing on how it has empowered farmers, enhanced food security, and contributed to rural development.

1. Amjad Hussain’s Transformation in Punjab: From Struggling Farmer to Entrepreneur

Amjad Hussain, a farmer from a small village in Punjab, was facing considerable difficulties in managing his farm before he received a tractor through the Green Tractor Scheme. Like many other small farmers, Amjad was dependent on outdated tools and manual labor, which not only limited his productivity but also took a significant toll on his health and finances.

In 2024, Amjad applied for the Green Tractor Scheme, and after a thorough review, he was granted a subsidy that allowed him to purchase a new, modern tractor. The tractor revolutionized his farming operations. No longer reliant on labor-intensive manual plowing, Amjad was able to cultivate his land in less time and with greater efficiency. As a result, his crop yields increased dramatically.

“The difference has been incredible. The tractor has allowed me to work faster and with less effort. My land is now more productive, and I am able to cultivate more crops than before. I can even sell some of my produce in larger markets,” Amjad explains.

Beyond improving his farm’s productivity, Amjad also found new opportunities for income generation. He began offering tractor services to neighboring farmers, which created a new revenue stream for him. This new source of income helped him expand his business, and Amjad now employs a small team of workers during peak farming seasons.

“I used to struggle with just enough to feed my family, but now I can afford better education for my children and have more savings for the future,” Amjad says, beaming with pride. “The Green Tractor Scheme has changed my life and given me a chance to grow as an entrepreneur.”

2. Naseem Bibi’s Success Story in Balochistan: Empowering Women Farmers

In Balochistan, where women face multiple barriers to economic empowerment, Naseem Bibi’s story stands out as a beacon of hope. As a widow with limited resources, Naseem struggled to maintain her farm. The absence of mechanized tools meant that she had to rely on manual labor, which was not only costly but also physically demanding.

Naseem heard about the Green Tractor Scheme in 2024 and decided to apply. After a successful application process, she received a subsidized tractor that transformed the way she ran her farm. The tractor significantly reduced the time and effort required for plowing, sowing, and harvesting. This increase in efficiency allowed Naseem to grow more crops and diversify her produce, ultimately improving her farm’s profitability.

“Before, it was difficult to keep up with the demands of farming. I often had to hire laborers, which was expensive and not always available,” Naseem recalls. “Now, I do everything myself, and I have even started producing more diverse crops like vegetables and fruits. The tractor has made my work easier and has given me independence.”

Moreover, Naseem was able to provide better living conditions for her children and ensure they received a quality education. With more income from her farming activities, Naseem has also invested in improving her farm with better irrigation systems and organic farming practices, leading to even greater yields.

“The tractor has given me control over my life. I can support my family more effectively, and my children have a better future,” Naseem says. “It is a symbol of empowerment for me and other women in my village.”

3. Abdul Qadir’s Experience in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: From Poverty to Prosperity

Abdul Qadir, a farmer in the rural areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was facing financial difficulties and struggling to meet the basic needs of his family. Despite having a piece of land, Abdul had little to show for his efforts due to the outdated farming techniques and lack of mechanization. He could barely meet his family’s daily needs, let alone invest in tools and equipment that could improve his situation.

In 2024, Abdul applied for the Green Tractor Scheme, hoping to improve his circumstances. After his application was approved, he received a subsidized tractor, and his farming operations began to see significant improvements. The tractor allowed Abdul to increase his land’s cultivation, resulting in better harvests. He also saved money by reducing the need to hire laborers, which had previously been a major financial burden.

“Before the tractor, I was always living paycheck to paycheck. The work was hard, and the results were unpredictable. Now, my land is more productive, and I can afford to invest in better quality seeds and fertilizers,” Abdul says. “This has allowed me to improve my crops and even start selling to local markets, which has increased my income.”

Abdul’s story illustrates the transformative power of modern technology in agriculture. With increased earnings, Abdul has been able to expand his farming activities and improve his family’s living standards. His children now attend school, and his family enjoys better healthcare and nutrition.

4. The Collective Impact in Sindh: A Cooperative Approach

In Sindh, a cooperative of farmers has also benefited from the Green Tractor Scheme. The cooperative, which comprises small-scale farmers from various villages, was facing challenges in accessing the tools and machinery needed to compete in the agricultural market. By pooling their resources, the cooperative applied for multiple subsidized tractors and received them under the Green Tractor Scheme.

The arrival of the tractors allowed the cooperative to increase the scale of their farming operations, improving their collective productivity. The members of the cooperative now share the tractors and work together to maximize their yields. The mechanization of their farming practices has also improved the efficiency of planting, irrigation, and harvesting, leading to higher crop quality and reduced costs.

“The tractors have brought us together and have created opportunities for us to work more efficiently. As a group, we can now farm larger plots of land and sell our produce to bigger markets,” says Feroze Khan, one of the cooperative’s members. “The Green Tractor Scheme has made our collective farming operation much more successful and sustainable.”

The cooperative’s success story is an example of how the Green Tractor Scheme can have a ripple effect, benefiting not just individual farmers but entire communities. By working together and sharing resources, farmers are able to amplify the benefits of the scheme and ensure the long-term success of their agricultural ventures.

5. Conclusion: The Green Tractor Scheme’s Ongoing Impact

These case studies illustrate the significant positive impact of the Green Tractor Scheme on farmers’ lives across Pakistan. By providing small-scale farmers with access to modern machinery, the scheme has enabled them to increase productivity, reduce labor costs, and diversify their agricultural activities. Moreover, the scheme has empowered women farmers and encouraged collective farming efforts, creating a sense of community and shared responsibility.

As more farmers benefit from the Green Tractor Scheme, the broader impact on rural development and food security in Pakistan becomes evident. The success stories of individuals like Amjad, Naseem, Abdul, and the Sindh cooperative demonstrate how access to the right tools and resources can transform the agricultural landscape, improve living standards, and foster economic growth.

The Green Tractor Scheme is not just about providing tractors; it is about providing opportunities for rural communities to thrive, paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for Pakistan’s agricultural sector.