Chandigarh, April 25: The Punjab government has announced a 33% subsidy on certified BT hybrid and Desi cotton seeds to promote crop diversification and expand the state’s cotton belt. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated on Saturday that the state will cover nearly one-third of the cost for 87 approved BT hybrids and four specific Desi varieties recommended by Punjab Agricultural University.
Khudian affirmed that the subsidy model has successfully gained the trust of the farming community, noting that cotton acreage grew by 19% during the previous season. The state has now set an ambitious target of 1.25 lakh hectares for the Kharif 2026 cycle.
“Our farmers have shown remarkable trust in this subsidy model,” Khudian declared. He maintained that the initiative is designed to encourage a shift away from water-intensive paddy cultivation toward “white gold,” which offers a more sustainable alternative for the region’s water table.
The Minister stated that an online application portal for the subsidy has been operational since April 20. He urged growers to purchase seeds only from registered dealers and ensure they upload valid bills to facilitate direct credit of the subsidy into their bank accounts.
To ensure the scheme reaches all eligible growers, Khudian directed field officials to launch an intensive awareness drive. He asserted that the combination of high-yield BT hybrids and Desi cotton options will help Punjab reclaim its traditional standing as a leading cotton producer while improving overall profitability for farmers.
