Sowing Prosperity: Punjab Unveils 33% Subsidy on Bt Cotton Hybrid Seeds

Image Source: Business Standard

In an effort to promote sustainable agriculture and diversification of crops, Punjab government declared a 33% subsidy on Bt cotton hybrid seeds approved by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana. With a budget of ₹20 crore for this scheme, the move seeks to relieve the financial pressure on cotton farmers, promote the use of high-yielding and pest-resistant seeds, and deter the adoption of non-recommended hybrids.
The subsidy is being made available to farmers who are growing up to five acres or buying up to ten packets (each 475g) of cotton seeds. The step is a part of the state's overall plan to increase cotton farming to at least 1.25 lakh hectares this year, providing a feasible alternative to the water-guzzling paddy crop and giving a boost to economic growth in Punjab's south-western districts.

Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian has asked farmers to avail this chance and reaffirmed the government's pledge for sustainable agriculture and well-being of the cotton business. The officials have been tasked to keep only genuine seeds available and strictly monitor their usage to avoid the influx of spurious seeds from adjoining states.

Source: The Economic Times