In a significant move to transform Punjab's agricultural landscape, the state's horticulture department has ramped up its efforts to encourage farmers to shift away from traditional crops. The department is offering a range of lucrative financial subsidies to promote the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and mushrooms.
Subsidy Schemes for Modern Horticulture
Deputy Director of Horticulture, Hardeep Singh, detailed the various support mechanisms available to farmers. The primary framework is the National Horticulture Mission scheme, under which farmers can receive substantial financial assistance.
A subsidy of 40 to 50 percent is provided for several key activities. This includes establishing new orchards, rejuvenating old ones, cultivating hybrid vegetables, and setting up protected structures like poly houses and shade net houses. Support also extends to vermicompost units, which enhance soil health organically.
Support for Allied Activities and Infrastructure
The government's push for agricultural diversification goes beyond just planting. Allied sectors are also being bolstered with similar subsidy rates. Beekeeping farmers can get Rs 1,600 per box, which includes an 8-frame bee colony. The mushroom sector is supported for production, seed preparation, and compost units.
Mechanization is another focus area. Subsidies of 40-50% are available for essential horticulture machinery, including:
- Tractors up to 20 HP
- Knapsack sprayers
- Boom sprayers
- Power tillers
For post-harvest management, the state offers a 35% subsidy on cold storage facilities, a critical infrastructure for preserving perishable produce.
New State Initiatives for Greater Impact
Building on central schemes, the Punjab government has launched fresh initiatives for greater farmer benefit. To specifically increase land under fruit cultivation, an incentive of Rs 10,000 per acre is provided for planting new orchards using drip irrigation. Notably, farmers can claim this incentive even after availing a subsidy under the micro-irrigation scheme, and there is no upper limit on the area covered.
In a move to improve marketing, a new scheme offers a 50% subsidy on single-use plastic crates and bins. Furthermore, recognizing the need for inclusive growth, a separate budget has been earmarked for Scheduled Caste farmers engaged in horticulture crops.
Hardeep Singh made a fervent appeal to the farming community of Punjab. He urged them to take maximum advantage of these schemes to advance the horticulture sector. The ultimate goal is to empower farmers with profitable alternatives and help the state break free from the environmentally and economically taxing wheat-paddy cycle through sustained crop diversification.
