Chandigarh, 10 Oct 2025 – Punjab has set up several large-scale food parks in Fazilka, Kapurthala, and Ludhiana to process farmers’ produce into items such as pickles, juices, jams, and packaged vegetables. Officials say the initiative allows farmers to sell their crops to processing units directly.
Smaller satellite centres linked to the Ludhiana facility have been established in Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Abohar, and Talwandi Sabo. These centres provide storage for fruits, vegetables, and milk, helping companies purchase produce in bulk and reducing wastage before it reaches manufacturing units.
The state government has also provided support for small-scale enterprises, backing 7,373 units with a combined investment of ₹306 crore. Entrepreneurs can receive up to 35% financial aid, and for Scheduled Caste beneficiaries, assistance rises to 50%. Youth, women, and farmer collectives are being trained to manage these units, creating new employment opportunities in rural areas.
Expanded cold storage and warehouses now allow farmers to store perishable goods such as potatoes and onions. Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian said, “Improved storage facilities give farmers flexibility to sell at better prices and reduce reliance on middlemen.”
Punjab is also seeking to attract foreign investment into its agriculture and food processing sector. Special incentives for companies are reportedly encouraging new units to open, generating jobs in the process. Khuddian has requested the central government to approve a Mega Food Park in Bathinda to provide similar support to farmers in the Malwa region.
Alongside infrastructure, the state is rolling out training programs on modern farming practices, including organic cultivation and updated technologies. Young entrepreneurs with innovative ideas are being offered loans and subsidies. Officials note that these measures are part of the government’s efforts to increase farmers’ income.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, “The goal is to grow food processing alongside traditional agriculture so that more products can be derived from local produce.” Sources indicate that additional food parks, cold chain systems, and processing facilities are planned across the state in the coming years.
