Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian revealed that Rs 20 crore has been allocated for the subsidy program. He stated: “This move would reduce financial burden on cotton growers, while simultaneously discouraging the cultivation of non-recommended hybrids to enable them to adopt high-yielding and pest-resistant BT cotton hybrid seeds.” The program is designed to ease costs for farmers and promote the use of improved seed varieties.
The government has set a goal to expand the cotton crop area to at least 125,000 hectares this year. Cotton, a key kharif crop in Punjab’s south-western districts, serves as an alternative to water-intensive paddy, supporting both agricultural diversification and economic development in the region.
Khuddian encouraged farmers to adopt the recommended BT cotton hybrid seeds, emphasizing the state’s commitment to fostering sustainable agriculture. He added: “The state government is committed to supporting farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.” The subsidy is seen as a vital step toward enhancing the prosperity of India’s cotton sector while diversifying crop production.
Dr. Basant Garg, administrative secretary of the agriculture department, clarified that the subsidy is capped at a maximum of five acres or ten packets (475 grams each) of cotton seeds per farmer. This ensures equitable distribution and encourages widespread adoption among cotton growers.
The initiative aims to balance economic benefits for farmers with environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on water-heavy crops. By promoting high-yielding, pest-resistant BT cotton, the Punjab government seeks to strengthen the agricultural sector and support rural livelihoods.
