CHANDIGARH: Punjab Horticulture Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat today said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is actively promoting crop diversification by encouraging farmers to adopt horticulture through attractive subsidy schemes.
The Minister informed that under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), farmers can avail upto 40 percent subsidy for planting new orchards as well as for other horticulture activities. He said the initiative aims to reduce dependence on the traditional wheat–paddy cycle, conserve groundwater and enhance farmers’ income through high-value crops.
Explaining the application process, the Horticulture Minister said that interested farmers can apply for the subsidy through their respective District Horticulture Offices. Farmers may also seek guidance from departmental field staff, who will assist them in preparing applications, fulfilling eligibility conditions and completing required formalities
Mr. Bhagat emphasised that the Mann Government is fully committed to ensuring that the benefits of all farmer-centric schemes reach the farmers at grassroots level in a transparent and timely manner. He urged farmers to take maximum advantage of horticulture schemes and diversify towards fruit and vegetable cultivation for better returns.