LAHORE, May 2 (APP): The Punjab government has rolled out the Electronic Warehouse Receipt (EWR) system to offer wheat farmers timely financial support and improve market accessibility.
The announcement came during a meeting between Price Control and Commodities Management Secretary Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti and representatives from private banks. The EWR system enables farmers to store wheat in registered warehouses and receive up to 70% of the grain’s value in immediate payment.
💸 Key Benefits for Farmers
- Up to 70% payment upfront based on stored wheat’s value
- Punjab government covers full warehouse rent and markup for 4 months
- Relief offered on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis
- Rs. 100 billion credit line for flour mills and green license holders to purchase wheat from farmers directly
🤝 Bank Support
Representatives from participating banks praised the Punjab government’s relief initiative, saying it will improve liquidity for farmers and help them secure better prices for their wheat harvest.
📈 What is the EWR System?
The Electronic Warehouse Receipt (EWR) system allows farmers to:
- Deposit their grain in licensed warehouses
- Receive a digital receipt
- Use the receipt as collateral for bank financing
The initiative is a step forward in modernizing Pakistan’s agri-finance infrastructure and reducing exploitation by middlemen.
