Chandigarh, Dec. 29: The Punjab government is encouraging farmers to shift toward horticulture by offering subsidies of up to 40% for planting new orchards and undertaking other horticulture-related activities, Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat said Monday.
Speaking about the initiative under the National Horticulture Mission, Bhagat said the policy is part of the Mann government’s broader push for crop diversification to reduce reliance on the wheat–paddy cycle, conserve groundwater and improve farmers’ incomes through high-value crops.
“Under the National Horticulture Mission, farmers can avail up to 40% subsidy for establishing new gardens and adopting horticulture activities,” Bhagat said. “This will help farmers move toward fruit and vegetable cultivation, which offers better economic returns.”
He said interested farmers can apply for the subsidy through their respective district horticulture offices. Departmental field staff will assist applicants with documentation, eligibility requirements and other formalities to ensure smooth processing.
Bhagat said the government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is focused on making farmer-oriented schemes accessible at the grassroots level. “Our aim is to ensure that benefits reach farmers in a transparent and timely manner,” he said, urging cultivators to make full use of the schemes and diversify their cropping patterns.
