LAHORE: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif presided over a meeting here on Wednesday which reviewed in detail new financial year budget 2017-18, especially priorities of the agriculture sector.

The CM said the national economy could be set on solid foundations by promoting agriculture sector. He said more resources would be allocated for providing relief to the farmers in the budget.

He said Rs100 billion interest-free loans would be offered to small cultivators through a transparent mechanism.

Talking to party MNAs belonging to Dera Ghazi Khan division, the chief minister alleged that sit-ins ruined the economy while Islamabad lockdown was a conspiracy against progress of the country.

He said record resources would be provided in the next budget for the development of south Punjab.

During the meeting, development projects of south Punjab, public welfare programmes, Kisan Package, wheat procurement campaign, Khadim-i-Punjab Rural Roads Programme and other welfare programmes were discussed. — Staff Reporter