Chandigarh, Oct 26: Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian announced a fifty crore rupee scheme to provide certified wheat seeds to farmers at subsidised rates. The state government initiative will cover high-quality seed varieties recommended by Punjab Agricultural University and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, offering immediate financial relief ahead of the sowing season.
Under the relief structure, certified wheat seeds priced at four thousand two hundred and fifty rupees per quintal will be made available to growers for two thousand two hundred and fifty rupees per quintal through an upfront subsidy. Financial assistance is capped at fifty percent of the total seed cost or two thousand rupees per hectare, depending on whichever amount is lower.
Department projections estimate that the scheme will reach two hundred forty-two thousand two hundred and eighteen beneficiaries across the state. The initiative is being executed under the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission seed component of the Krishonnati Yojana.
Minister Khudian affirmed that eligibility is restricted to certified seed varieties notified within the last ten years. Authorities maintained that nodal multiplication agencies will be held accountable for maintaining strict seed quality throughout the distribution process.
