Chandigarh. The government has taken a major decision to accelerate crop diversification in Punjab. A 33 percent subsidy will be provided on certified seeds of BT hybrid and indigenous (Desi) cotton varieties in the state. Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated that under this scheme, the government will bear approximately one-third of the farmers’ seed costs; this will reduce cultivation expenses and encourage a greater shift towards cotton farming.
According to the Minister, 87 BT hybrid varieties and four indigenous varieties—LD1019, LD949, FDK 124, and PBD 88—recommended by the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, have been included in this scheme. He noted that this subsidy model received excellent support from farmers during the previous Kharif season, resulting in an increase in the cotton cultivation area from 100,000 hectares to 119,000 hectares. The government has now set a target of 125,000 hectares for the Kharif 2026 season. Describing cotton as “white gold,” Gurmeet Singh Khudian appealed to farmers to shift away from water-intensive paddy cultivation and adopt cotton farming instead.
He informed that the online portal for availing the subsidy became operational on April 20. Farmers are required to purchase certified seeds from registered vendors and upload valid invoices to avail the benefits of the scheme. Following verification, the subsidy amount will be directly deposited into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
He emphasized that this initiative is not merely a form of financial assistance but a significant step towards promoting scientific farming practices. It will encourage the use of improved crop varieties and lead to increased agricultural production. The scheme is expected to have a particularly profound impact in the Malwa region, which is traditionally recognized as the state’s primary cotton belt. The Agriculture Minister has issued directives to all Chief Agriculture Officers to conduct village-level awareness campaigns and ensure that every eligible farmer is able to access and utilize the online portal facility. He stated that no farmer would be deprived of the scheme due to a lack of information. The government expects that this initiative will not only increase the area under cotton cultivation but also improve farmers’ incomes. Farmers have been urged to apply in a timely manner to avail themselves of the full benefits of the scheme.
