Punjab CM Approves Policy to Provide 50% Subsidy for Wheat Seeds to Farmers During Rabi Season

The chief minister directed the Department to give priority to small and marginal farmers for providing subsidised seeds. The subsidy should be given only to eligible farmers and the subsidy amount should be transferred directly to the accounts of beneficiary farmers, the chief minister said. Amarinder asked Anirudh Tewari, Additional Chief Secretary (Development), to issue detailed instructions to officers/staff of Agriculture Department to closely monitor seeds being sold in their respective area, and said only quality seeds should be given to the farmers, the release said.

He warned that concerned officers/employees of seed agencies as well as district and block level agriculture officers would be considered to be directly responsible if any complaint is received or any malpractice is detected in distribution of seeds. Farmers can submit their applications at the offices of the Agriculture Department in their areas from November 1 for availing the subsidy.

Tewari said the Agriculture Department has ensured all requisite arrangements to provide wheat seeds at subsidised rates to the farmers. Wheat is expected to be cultivated in about 35 lakh hectare area in the state during rabi season 2020-21.