Punjab's Boost to Sustainable Farming: Rs 17,500 Incentive Per Hectare for Crop Diversification

Punjab announces an incentive of Rs 17,500 per hectare for farmers shifting from paddy to alternative crops. The programme aims to address groundwater depletion and will be funded by the Center and state government. The incentive will be disbursed in two instalments via DBT.

Farmers in Punjab will benefit from an incentive of Rs 17,500 per hectare for transitioning from the water-intensive paddy crop to alternative crops. This initiative, part of the revamped crop diversification programme (CDP), was announced by state agriculture minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian.

Farmers can avail of the benefits for up to five hectares, with the incentive amount directly transferred to their bank accounts in two instalments via direct benefit transfer (DBT). The first instalment follows verification through the digital crop survey and Krishi Mapper app, while the second is post-harvest.

This programme, funded in a 60:40 ratio by the Center and Punjab government, is aimed at reducing the over-dependence on tubewell irrigation and groundwater depletion due to paddy cultivation. The total budget allocation for 2024-25 is Rs 289.87 crore. Applications can be submitted online via the state portal, with dedicated committees ensuring smooth implementation.

(With inputs from agencies.)