Initiative to revive cotton in Punjab: 33% subsidy announced on seeds
Taking a significant step to revive the declining cotton cultivation in the state, the Punjab government has announced 33% subsidy on indigenous and Bt cotton seeds. The initiative aims to attract farmers back to the cultivation of cotton, once known as the “white gold” of Punjab.
Under this scheme launched by the Agriculture Department, farmers can apply online on the government portal between April 20 and May 31. This subsidy will be applicable up to a maximum of five acres and will be available only on seed varieties approved by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).
The area under cotton in Punjab has declined rapidly over the past few decades—from about 7 lakh hectares in the 1980s to just 1 lakh hectares in 2024. The major reasons for this decline include infestation of pests like pink bollworm and white fly, market prices below the Minimum Support Price (MSP), and irregular weather.
Although due to government efforts, there was a slight increase in cotton area to 1.19 lakh hectares in 2025, but this year the target has been set at 1.26 lakh hectares.
At an inter-state consultation meeting recently, PAU Vice-Chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal presented a detailed roadmap for the revival of cotton. He described timely availability of high quality seeds, promotion of Bt cotton, adequate irrigation before sowing, and balanced fertilizer use as essential to increase productivity.
Despite this, farmers are still cautious. A farmer from Bathinda expressed concern over uncertain yield and frequent pest attacks despite repeated pesticide spraying.
Punjab Agriculture Director Gurjit Singh Brar attributed the decline in cotton area to the shift towards paddy, better irrigation facilities, and frequent pest attacks in cotton. He highlighted timely sowing, deep ploughing, crop residue management and awareness campaigns as solutions to this problem.
