Punjab Boosts Maize Farming with Hybrid Seed Subsidies

The Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department is offering subsidies on hybrid maize seeds to encourage farmers to switch from water-intensive paddy to maize. Farmers will get Rs 100 per kg of certified seed and support for up to 5 acres. Applications can be submitted through the state portal.

The Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has announced a new subsidy scheme to promote the cultivation of hybrid maize. This initiative aims to cover over 4,700 hectares under maize demonstrations.

Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian revealed that farmers would receive Rs 100 per kilogram of certified hybrid maize seeds from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The subsidy is capped at 5 acres or 40 kg per farmer.

Khudian also stated that 2,300 quintals of hybrid seeds would be made available at subsidised rates. The government plans to double the kharif maize cultivation area to 2 lakh hectares to conserve groundwater. Farmers are encouraged to apply online at the agrimachinerypb.com portal.