Chandigarh, Dec. 26, 2025 — Punjab has emerged as a national leader in horticulture-driven agricultural growth, with more than ₹7,100 crore sanctioned for over 30,000 projects under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), state Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat said on Thursday.
Punjab has once again ranked first among all states in the effective implementation of the centrally sponsored AIF scheme, with the Horticulture Department serving as the nodal agency.
“The Mann government is committed to strengthening horticulture as a sustainable path for increasing farmers’ income,” Bhagat said. “Our department has ensured transparent and timely implementation of central and state schemes.”
The expansion of horticulture has accelerated crop diversification in the state, traditionally dominated by the wheat–paddy cycle. According to the department, the area under horticulture has increased from 4,81,616 hectares to 5,21,000 hectares during the current phase of reforms.
Under the National Horticulture Mission, the government has released ₹1,575 lakh in financial assistance to farmers for setting up orchards, vegetable and flower cultivation, mushroom farming and beekeeping.
To promote floriculture, farmers are being given ₹14,000 per acre under the State Plan Scheme, with subsidies totaling ₹17.40 lakh disbursed this financial year.
Post-harvest infrastructure has also received support, with a 50% subsidy on plastic crates and carton boxes used for fruits and vegetables. Subsidies worth ₹23.26 lakh have been released so far.
“These interventions are reducing post-harvest losses and improving market access for farmers,” Bhagat said.
The minister said additional incentives are being provided to encourage water and power conservation, including ₹10,000 per acre for drip irrigation and orchard plantation. Subsidies amounting to ₹47.56 lakh have been released under the scheme this year.
Bhagat said the government would continue to expand infrastructure and policy support to ensure long-term income stability for farmers.
