Horticulture gains momentum in Punjab with government subsidies

Chandigarh: The Punjab government has been making all efforts and encouraging farmers to switch from traditional crops such as wheat and paddy and adopt more profitable horticulture practices. The main focus is to conserve natural resources and boost farmers’ livelihoods as well. Deputy Director of Horticulture Dr. Jagdish Singh shared that, under the guidance of Agriculture Minister Mahendra Bhagat Singh, initiatives are being implemented to promote horticulture as a viable alternative.

The government has launched numerous subsidy schemes to attract farmers to enter the horticulture sector. 40-50% subsidies will be given to the farming community for the setting up of polyhouses or net houses and for activities like beekeeping, small tractors for cultivating flowers and vegetables, power sprayers, and other agricultural equipment. Additionally, a 35% subsidy is being provided for packhouses and storage units to ensure proper maintenance of flowers and vegetables after harvest.

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To further boost horticulture, the state government is offering Rs 10,000 per acre to gardeners for planting new gardens using drip irrigation systems. Farmers can also avail themselves of a 50% subsidy on planting materials for up to 4,000 square meters.

The government has taken this step to make horticulture more profitable, providing better opportunities to farmers along with conserving natural resources of the state. The department believes these initiatives will certainly inspire a huge number of farmers to adopt diversified farming practices.