Chandigarh, April 25: Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian has directed department officials to ensure seamless access to seed subsidies as the state targets a record 1.25 lakh hectares of cotton cultivation this year. The government affirmed that it will provide a 33% rebate on certified seeds, including PAU-approved Desi varieties like LD1019 and FDK124, to lower input costs for farmers.
Speaking in Chandigarh, Khudian stated that the area under cotton has already seen a significant rise, moving from 1 lakh hectares in 2024 to 1.19 lakh hectares in 2025. He maintained that this upward trend proves the effectiveness of the government’s financial support in driving crop diversification.
“Last Kharif season, the area under cotton cultivation surged by 19%,” Khudian affirmed. He noted that the subsidy will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries following the verification of purchase bills. He urged farmers to utilize the online portal, which is currently live, to submit their applications early in the season.
The Minister asserted that using scientifically recommended, high-yield varieties is crucial for the state to improve its agricultural productivity. He stated that the government is particularly focused on the Malwa region, where cotton remains a vital traditional crop.
Khudian also noted that the subsidy scheme is a key component of the administration’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on paddy. He declared that with robust seed support and strict quality control at the dealer level, the state is well-positioned to achieve its acreage goals for 2026.
