Punjab Government prioritises crop diversification
Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): With a strong focus on crop diversification, accelerated efforts are being made by the Punjab Government to expand the horticulture sector and enhance farmers’ income. Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann, comprehensive measures are being implemented to encourage farmers to move beyond traditional cropping patterns. Full institutional support is being extended by the Horticulture Department to promote diversification, while farmers are being sensitised about modern and advanced agricultural technologies.
For yet another year, the Horticulture Department has remained at the forefront nationally in strengthening agricultural infrastructure. To ensure the effective and systematic implementation of the centrally sponsored Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme, the Department has been designated as the nodal agency in the state. Under this scheme, loans worth approximately ₹7,100 crore have so far been approved for more than 30,000 agriculture-based projects. Special emphasis continues to be laid by the Punjab Government on promoting horticulture as a key driver of farmers’ income growth.
Owing to sustained efforts by the Horticulture Department, the area under horticulture in Punjab has been expanded from 4,81,616 hectares to 5,21,000 hectares. An ultra-modern Horticulture Development Centre is being established at Ladoval in Ludhiana, envisaged as a one-stop knowledge hub. This centre is expected to play a catalytic role in motivating farmers across the state to shift away from the wheat–paddy cycle towards high-value horticultural crops.
A new impetus has been provided to the horticulture sector through the launch of the ‘Apna Pind–Apna Bagh’ campaign by the Punjab Government. Under this initiative, fruit-bearing plants are being planted on village panchayat lands. The revenue generated from these orchards is intended to be utilised by the respective village panchayats for local development works.
Under the National Horticulture Mission, financial assistance amounting to ₹1,575 lakh has been extended to farmers for the establishment of new orchards, cultivation of vegetables and flowers, mushroom production, and beekeeping. Additionally, under the State Plan Scheme, financial assistance of ₹14,000 per acre is being provided to promote floriculture, with subsidies worth ₹17.40 lakh disbursed during the current financial year.
To support post-harvest management, a 50 percent subsidy is being offered on plastic crates and carton boxes used after harvesting fruits and vegetables. During the current financial year, subsidies totalling ₹23.26 lakh have been released under this scheme. Furthermore, under the Electricity and Water Conservation Scheme, farmers adopting drip irrigation and orchard plantation are being incentivised with ₹10,000 per acre, with subsidies amounting to ₹47.56 lakh disbursed so far this year.
It was further stated that 50 percent financial assistance is also being provided for the replacement of poly-house cover material. Under this provision, subsidies worth ₹140.51 lakh have been released during the current financial year, further reinforcing the state's commitment to sustainable and diversified agriculture.