Punjab Emerges National Leader In Horticulture With Rs 7100 Crore Projects Transforming Farm Economy
Punjab has taken a decisive lead in horticulture growth as large investments, farmer-focused schemes and village-level initiatives drive crop diversification, higher incomes and long-term agricultural sustainability.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab has shifted its agricultural focus. The government is urging farmers to move away from water-intensive crops. Horticulture is being promoted as a stable income option. Policy backing and financial incentives are being provided. Modern farming tools are encouraged. In 2025, these efforts delivered strong results. Punjab rose to the top nationally in horticulture performance.
How Significant Is The Rs 7100 Crore Investment?
Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat said Punjab ranked first in implementing the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. The state department works as the nodal agency. Over 30,000 agriculture-linked projects received loans. The total sanctioned amount crossed Rs 7,100 crore. This funding strengthened storage and processing facilities. It also improved farm-to-market connectivity. Farmers are seeing direct economic benefits.
How Has Crop Diversification Expanded?
The Mann Government considers horticulture central to income growth. Focused diversification policies have shown impact on ground. The horticulture-covered area increased steadily. It rose from 4.81 lakh hectares to 5.21 lakh hectares. Farmers are choosing fruits, vegetables and flowers. This reduces dependency on wheat and paddy. Water stress is easing. Income patterns are becoming more balanced.
Why Is The Ludhiana Centre Important?
A modern Horticulture Development Centre is coming up at Ladhowal. It will act as a single knowledge platform. Farmers will receive training and guidance. Advanced techniques will be demonstrated. The centre will encourage high-value crop adoption. It aims to break the traditional crop cycle. This initiative is expected to guide future agricultural transitions.
How Does Apna Pind Apna Bagh Change Villages?
The ‘Apna Pind–Apna Bagh’ campaign is a grassroots initiative. Fruit trees are planted on panchayat land. Orchards will generate steady income. Revenue will be used for village development. This links farming with local governance. Rural communities become stakeholders. The scheme strengthens village economies. It also improves environmental sustainability.
What Support Is Reaching Farmers Directly?
Under the National Horticulture Mission, Rs 1,575 lakh was released. Farmers received help for orchards, vegetables, flowers, mushrooms and beekeeping. Floriculture growers get Rs 14,000 per acre. Subsidies worth Rs 17.40 lakh were disbursed. Post-harvest handling subsidies touched Rs 23.26 lakh. Drip irrigation incentives crossed Rs 47.56 lakh. Polyhouse upgrades were also supported.
How Will Exports And Specialty Crops Grow?
A Centre of Excellence for onions is being developed at Kheri under Indo-Dutch cooperation. Special fruit estates were set up. These include Pear Estate at Amritsar, Litchi Estate at Pathankot and Guava Estate at Patiala. Flood-hit vegetable growers receive 40 percent cost relief. These measures aim to boost exports and farmer incomes.
