Punjab farmers to receive Rs 7,000 per acre for crop diversification
Expressing concern over pest attacks, particularly Pink Bollworm and whitefly on cotton crops, Khuddian sought Chouhan's intervention in expediting research and approval for the Next Generation BG-3 cotton seeds.
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Khuddian discussed various agrarian concerns with the Union Minister, including the implementation of the Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme, the release of funds under RKVY, incentives for managing paddy straw, and ensuring a consistent supply of fertilizers and subsidies under the wheat seed replacement scheme. (File)Punjab farmers will receive Rs 7,000 per acre for planting crops other than paddy as part of the Crop Diversification Plan (CDP). Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan agreed to include Punjab’s demand in the plan, announced Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian on Thursday.
Khuddian met Chouhan in Delhi and submitted a memorandum of demands, including the Rs 7,000 per acre incentive for farmers diversifying from paddy to other crops. “The union minister has agreed to include it in the CDP,” said Khuddian.
Expressing concern over pest attacks, particularly Pink Bollworm and whitefly on cotton crops, Khuddian sought Chouhan’s intervention in expediting research and approval for the Next Generation BG-3 cotton seeds. Khuddian emphasized the need to replace the current BG-2 cotton seeds with more advanced, pest-resistant seeds.
He thanked the union minister for approving the State Agricultural Statistics Authority (SASA), which will enhance planning, monitoring, evaluation, research, and development in the state’s agriculture sector.
Khuddian also discussed various agrarian concerns with the Union Minister, including the implementation of the Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme, the release of funds under RKVY, incentives for managing paddy straw, and ensuring a consistent supply of fertilizers and subsidies under the wheat seed replacement scheme.
Highlighting a significant concern, Khuddian noted that the Central Government changed the funding pattern of the CRM scheme to 60:40 (Centre:State) in FY 2023-24 from the earlier 100 percent centrally sponsored scheme. He urged the Union Agriculture Minister to reinstate 100 percent central funding, considering Punjab’s contribution to national food security. Khuddian also requested per-acre incentives as compensation for the additional costs of managing paddy straw.
Additionally, Khuddian pointed out the recurring shortage of phosphatic fertilizers during the Rabi season and appealed to the Union Minister to ensure a continuous supply. He also mentioned the annual investment of
approximately Rs 20 crore under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) scheme for replacing 33 percent of seeds each year, urging the continuation of assistance for wheat seeds for
the greater interest of feeding the growing population.
Special Chief Secretary of Agriculture KAP Sinha, Director of Agriculture Jaswant Singh, and other senior officials of the department and ministry were also present at the meeting.
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