Punjab Announces 33% Subsidy on Bt Cotton Seeds to Boost Crop Diversification and Farmer Income
By yash chouhan 2025-04-21 18:26:45
Punjab to Offer 33% Subsidy on Bt Cotton Seeds to Support Farmers
The Punjab government has announced a 33% subsidy on Bt cotton hybrid seeds to provide relief to farmers and encourage the adoption of high-quality seeds. The subsidy will be applicable only on hybrids recommended by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana.
Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated that ₹20 crore has been allocated for the scheme. The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on farmers, promote high-yielding and pest-resistant Bt cotton seeds, and discourage the use of non-recommended hybrids.
The state has set a target to expand cotton cultivation to at least 1.25 lakh hectares this year. Cotton, a key kharif crop in southwestern Punjab, is being promoted as a sustainable alternative to water-intensive paddy, supporting crop diversification and long-term agricultural growth.
According to Basant Garg, Administrative Secretary of the Agriculture Department, the subsidy will be limited to a maximum of five acres or ten seed packets per farmer, with each packet weighing 475 grams.
Farmers have been advised to obtain proper purchase bills for all seed transactions. Meanwhile, officials have been directed to conduct regular monitoring and inspections to prevent the circulation of spurious seeds from neighboring states.
